Initial assessment of NGS as a tool to augment routine CE analysis of STRs

Abstract

The introduction of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) into forensic casework requires a detailed appraisal of how the technology can assist with improving current CE based methods bearing in mind the investment required to implement this significantly different method into operational forensic laboratories. To this end an initial assessment was conducted which involved the typing of 53 samples using the Verogen ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep Kit in conjunction with the Illumina MiSeq FGx™ DNA Sequencer. Concordance was checked for Autosomal and Y-STRs present in both the Verogen kit and the Promega PowerPlex® Fusion 6C kit when typed by allele size alone. In addition all alleles typed were analysed for sequence structure with NGS versus size calling with CE in order to ascertain the likely benefit of analysing STRs by sequence as opposed to size alone.