NIST mixed stain studies #1 and #2: interlaboratory comparison of DNA quantification practice and short tandem repeat multiplex performance with multiple-source samples

J Forensic Sci. 2001 Sep;46(5):1199-210.

Abstract

The Mixed Stain Study 1 (MSS1, Apr.-Nov. 1997) and Mixed Stain Study 2 (MSS2, Jan.-May 1999) evaluated multiplexed short-tandem repeat (STR) DNA typing systems with samples containing DNA from more than one source. These interlaboratory challenge studies evaluated forensic STR measurement, interpretation, and reporting practice using well-characterized samples of very different analytical difficulty. None of the relatively few errors reported in either exercise resulted in a false identification of a reference source; several errors in evaluating the unknown source in three-source samples would hinder matching the profile in any archival database. None of the measurement anomalies reported is associated with any particular STR multiplex; all DNA amplification anomalies are associated with inefficient DNA extraction, inaccurate DNA quantitation, and/or analytical threshold policies.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Blood
  • DNA Fingerprinting*
  • Databases, Factual
  • Forensic Medicine / methods
  • Humans
  • Observer Variation
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Semen
  • Specimen Handling
  • Tandem Repeat Sequences / genetics*