Orchid Cellmark: Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Analysis

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In the US, the process of routine DNA analysis is standardized around a marker panel of 13 STR markers. These markers are analyzed by public and private forensic laboratories to generate DNA profiles that are submitted to the FBI-managed national DNA database known as the Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS. This set of markers is thus called the CODIS core loci. In addition to these markers, there are other STR markers which can be analyzed to further ascertain if DNA from a piece of evidence matches that of the suspect or victim.

Orchid Cellmark offers STR analysis on a variety of platforms using a variety of kits, all of which are licensed and validated (see sidebar). Orchid Cellmark analyzes evidentiary samples and known reference samples from both suspects and victims. It is not necessary to have both sets of samples available in order to conduct a test.

After the analysis, Orchid Cellmark generates a written report and/or provides results electronically in a format specified by the client.

Orchid Cellmark has validated the following kits:

AmpFLSTR
Profiler Plus
AmpFLSTR COfiler
PowerPlex 16
BIO System AmpFLSTR
Identifiler

These kits or a combination of them contain all 13 CODIS core loci, so that the profiles may be entered into the National DNA Index System (NDIS).

Note: AmpFLSTR Identifiler , AmpFLSTR Profiler Plus , and AmpFLSTR COfiler STR testing is performed pursuant to licensing arrangements with Roche Molecular Systems, Inc. and Applied BioSystems Inc. PowerPlex 16 Bio System is performed pursuant to licensing arrangements with Promega.