ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 17 August 2005
Page Count: 10

An Alu-based, MGB Eclipse™ Real-Time PCR Method for Quantitation of Human DNA in Forensic Samples
Buel, E
Department of Public Safety, VT

Nicklas, JA
Department of Public Safety, VT

(Received 17 December 2004; accepted 23 April 2005)

Abstract

The forensic community needs quick, reliable methods to quantitate human DNA in crime scene samples to replace the laborious and imprecise slot blot method. A real-time PCR based method has the possibility of allowing development of a faster and more quantitative assay. Alu sequences are primate-specific and are found in many copies in the human genome, making these sequences an excellent target or marker for human DNA. This paper describes the development of a real-time Alu sequence-based assay using MGB Eclipse™ primers and probes. The advantages of this assay are simplicity, speed, less hands-on-time and automated quantitation, as well as a large dynamic range (128 ng/µL to 0.5 pg/µL).

Keywords:
forensic science, human DNA, DNA quantitation, Alu sequences, polymerase chain reaction, real-time, MGB Eclipse™

Paper ID: JFS2004514
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2004514
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