Summary of Validation Studies from Twenty-Six Forensic Laboratories in the United States and Canada on the Use of the AmpliType® PM PCR Amplification and Typing Kit

Abstract

A cooperative study was undertaken to collect and summarize the results of validation studies from forensic laboratories in the United States and Canada on the use of the AmpliType PM PCR amplification and typing kit for genetic typing of forensic biological evidence. This report compiles data from 26 laboratories on: 1) reproducibility studies on DNA extracted from various samples, 2) genetic typing of DNA extracted from a variety of biological samples on various substrates, 3) the effects of exogenous chemicals, materials, and environmental factors on test results, 4) sensitivity studies to determine the least detectable amount of extracted genomic DNA that can be reliably typed, 5) analysis of mixtures containing two sources of genomic DNA, 6) cross-hybridization with DNA extracted from various nonhuman species, and 7) evaluation of assay performance on parallel studies with other genetic typing systems on proficiency test panels, mock cases, and adjudicated/nonprobative casework. Equivalent results were obtained by each laboratory that supplied data, demonstrating the reliability and consistency of the test. Overall, it can be concluded from this study that the AmpliType PM PCR amplification and typing kit meets the guidelines of the Technical Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (TWGDAM) and there is general scientific acceptability of this kit for forensic DNA testing.