How the Investigator Casework GO! Kit provides sensitive, fast and robust direct amplification of low copy number samples

Abstract

Casework sample processing typically involves DNA extraction, quantification and STR profiling. However, silica-based DNA purification bares the risk of losing crucial sample material especially with low copy number DNA from evidence touch skin samples.We tested a direct amplification approach for casework samples that skips the laborious and costly DNA extraction step and could offer an accelerated workflow with rapid processing of swabs, including cuttings of sexual assault swabs, and other materials. We could demonstrate that the Investigator Casework GO! Kit could be used even with touch and other low copy number samples providing comparable or higher sensitivity than the classical sample prep workflow. Furthermore, the method could be easily modified to fulfill individual needs for an easy integration into the manual or automated routine testing, e.g. for Y-screening of sexual assault kits.