Results From the NIST 2004 DNA Quantitation Study

Published

May 1, 2005

Author(s)

Margaret C. Kline, David L. Duewer, Janette W. Redman, John M. Butler

Abstract

For optimal DNA Short Tandem Repeat (STR) typing results, the DNA concentration ([DNA]) of the sample must be accurately determined prior to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification step in the typing process. In early 2004, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) conducted an interlaboratory study to help assess the accuracy of DNA quantitation in forensic DNA laboratories. This study was designed with four primary purposes: (1) to examine concentration effects and to probe performance at the lower levels of DNA that are frequently seen in forensic casework; (2) to examine consistency with various methodologies across multiple laboratories; (3) to examine single versus multiple source samples; and (4) to study DNA stability over time and through shipping in two types of storage tubes. Eight DNA samples of [DNA] from 0.05 ng/ L to 1.5 ng/ L were distributed. A total of 287 independent data sets were returned from 80 participants. Results were reported for 19 different DNA quantitation methodologies. Approximately 65 % of the data were obtained using traditional slot blot hybridization methods; 21 % were obtained using newly available real-time PCR techniques. Information from this interlaboratory study is guiding development of a future NIST Standard Reference Material for Human DNA Quantitation, SRM 2372.

Proceedings Title

Journal of Forensic Sciences

Volume

50

Issue

No. 3

Conference Dates

June 30, 2004

Conference Location

Washington, DC

Conference Title

NIJ/DNA Grantees Meeting

Pub Type

Conferences

Keywords

DNA quantitation, DNA typing, forensic science, interlaboratory study, real-time PCR

Citation

Kline, M. , Duewer, D. , Redman, J. and Butler, J. (2005), Results From the NIST 2004 DNA Quantitation Study, Journal of Forensic Sciences, Washington, DC (Accessed December 11, 2025)