Zygem has announced an application note documenting its ForensicGEM Saliva DNA extraction kit.
The note states that the kit is capable of producing high yields of high-quality, ready-to-analyse DNA from buccal-swab samples compatible with high-throughput PCR processing.
This capability allows quick and reliable forensic DNA extraction that requires minimal handling.
The ForensicGEM Saliva kit uses a single closed-tube system that reduces extraction time and cost, while protecting the sample from contamination.
The kit is designed for high-throughput manual processing, or it can be adapted for automation with most off-the-shelf systems.
In the application note, forensic scientists at the Crime Laboratory of the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department describe their experience using Zygem's ForensicGEM Saliva kit to extract DNA for forensic analysis from 20 saliva samples with known profiles that were collected on buccal swabs.
After performing the extractions, they examined the quantity of extracted DNA to ensure a sufficient amount was obtained and then assessed the quality of amplification and genetic profile of each sample.
Results showed that in 20min, ForensicGEM Saliva's single closed-tube process efficiently extracted sufficient amounts of high-quality DNA for PCR amplification.
Results also showed that the ForensicGEM Saliva kit does not cause sample degradation, contamination, inhibition or other problems that could affect amplification or subsequent analysis.
The ForensicGEM Saliva kit is compatible with all PCR detection and amplification reagents.
The stability of the ForensicGEM reagents allows convenient storage of the kit at 4C, reducing preparation time and increasing ease of use.
Zygem offers a number of application notes for its ForensicGEM, PrepGEM and LivestockGEM kit ranges.
