NIST Research Grade Test Materials: A New Collaborative Effort to Address Measurement Challenges

Published

May 1, 2025

Author(s)

Peter Vallone, Lisa Borsuk, Carolyn Steffen, Sarah Riman, Kevin Kiesler, Erica Romsos

Abstract

As DNA typing technologies have advanced and sensitivity improved, measurement and interpretation issues related to low template, degraded, and complex DNA mixtures encountered in forensic laboratories have evolved. In turn, the forensic DNA typing community has requested more relevant reference materials to support the validation of their methods.  The stochastic nature of these measurements, in tandem with the goal of reproducibly providing "casework-like" sample types, poses a challenge in meeting the robust characterization and the long-term stability required for a Standard Reference Material classification.  NIST has introduced a new category of exploratory material called a Research Grade Test Material (RGTM) to collaboratively evaluate fit-for-purpose needs within a community.  Laboratories can request the material with an agreement that data collected from the samples will be shared with NIST.  A data portal hosted through STRBase (https://strbase.nist.gov/Information/RGTM_10235) was created to receive and publicly share results.  The goal is that these samples and companion data portal resources will support validation efforts, facilitate data sharing, and guide further development of forensically relevant reference materials.

Citation

Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series

Pub Type

Journals

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.15304/cc.2025.1869

Local Download

Keywords

reference material, quantification, mixture, short tandem repeat, degraded DNA

Citation

Vallone, P. , Borsuk, L. , Steffen, C. , Riman, S. , Kiesler, K. and Romsos, E. (2025), NIST Research Grade Test Materials: A New Collaborative Effort to Address Measurement Challenges, Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series, [online], https://doi.org/10.15304/cc.2025.1869, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=958599 (Accessed July 25, 2025)