PRODUCT NEWS
PowerQuant® Analysis Software and Bone DNA Extraction Kit, Custom
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PowerQuant® Analysis Software
A new PowerQuant® Analysis Software is available for download from https://www.promega.com/resources/software-firmware/.
While initial data analysis can be performed using the Applied Biosystems® 7500 Real-Time PCR System, you can perform secondary data analysis using the PowerQuant® Analysis Software. The software imports Cq values from a PowerQuant® run and performs the following calculations and assessments based on user-defined threshold values:
- Standard curves (acceptable R², slope and y-intercept values)
- Sample quantity (based on the Standard Curves)
- Sample quality (possible inhibition, contamination or degradation)
The quantification values for replicate samples are automatically averaged, and normalized template amounts for optimized downstream STR amplification are calculated and displayed in multiple formats.
An additional feature is that the software can also be used to import sample names into the Applied Biosystems® 7500 and QuantStudio™ Real-Time qPCR Systems.
The current Excel®- based tool for analysis of PowerQuant® System data will continue to be available for a short time period on https://www.promega.com/resources/tools/.
Bone DNA Extraction Kit, Custom
In certain cases involving missing persons, mass disasters and anthropological excavations, bone and teeth are often the only sample types available for identification. Further, these samples are often subjected to environmental damage, and co-extraction of environmental inhibitors during purification limits their usability in STR typing experiments. Purification of DNA free of inhibitors is a crucial first step in determining the success of obtaining a usable profile from these samples.
A short preprocessing protocol followed by purification of DNA using DNA IQ™ chemistry yields inhibitor-free DNA that is compatible with PowerQuant® or Plexor® HY Systems for human and male DNA quantification and PowerPlex® STR Systems for generation of a STR profile.
To learn more about the kit, download a copy of our latest poster here: https://www.promega.com/resources/scientific_posters/posters/isolation-of-purified-dnausing-a-bone-dnaextraction-kit-poster/
For more information about these products, please contact your local Promega representative.
FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE
Promega Webinars on Demand
Did you know that you can view our webinars on demand? We realize it’s not always possible to step away from the lab bench to watch a webinar in the middle of the morning, so we’ve made it easy to access the recordings of our webinars and related resources on www.promega.com/resources/webinars. You can also sign up to be notified of upcoming webinars while there!
Recent topics include:
- Preparing for expert witness testimony on probabilistic genotyping
- Using DNA to solve cold cases
- Y-screening sexual assault kit samples
Using DNA to Thaw Out Cold Cases
Lisa Mertz and Heather Nelson-O’Connor from the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner recently did a webinar on cold cases. In their interactive webinar they discussed testing methods used at the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, as well as encouraged other laboratories to share their specialized types of testing. They also discussed advancements over the past 15-20 years in the field of forensic science and DNA. Specialized protocols used at the OCME, such as retrieving exogenous DNA from fingernails in cases where there was close contact with perpetrators and obtaining touch DNA from clothing, were also highlighted. Lastly, their presentation shared insights on the constraints that laboratories face in starting a cold case unit and the limitations they typically encounter. Lisa and Heather hope to offer a second part in the series later this year.