Promega PowerPlex Fusion 6C System Receives Approval by the FBI

12 Oct 2015
Lois Manton-O'Byrne, PhD
Executive Editor

The Promega PowerPlex® Fusion 6C System was granted approval by the FBI for use in laboratories that generate DNA records for the National DNA Index System (NDIS). NDIS, a component of the FBI's CODIS system, is the U.S. national database containing nearly twelve million offender profiles used by authorities to help solve criminal investigations nationwide.

Launched in January of this year, the PowerPlex Fusion 6C System is a 27-locus multiplex that combines common and informative loci, including SE33, Penta D and Penta E, to overcome typical challenges faced by laboratories, such as sample inhibitors, low levels of input DNA and degradation. Unlike other multiplexes, the PowerPlex Fusion 6C System contains three Y-STR loci to improve mixture analysis that is commonly done with crime scene samples.

Promega's PowerPlex® Fusion 6C System is now approved for use in laboratories generating DNA records for the U.S. National DNA Index System (NDIS).

Laboratories can streamline workflow and stretch their budget using the PowerPlex Fusion 6C System because the kit is capable of direct amplification with 12.5µl reactions from numerous sample types, including FTA® cards, nonFTA cards and commonly used swabs. "Having the opportunity to be involved with Promega's developmental validation allowed our laboratory to gain a better insight into this kit and its benefits," said Learden Matthies of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office Laboratory, the sponsoring laboratory for NDIS approval submission for the PowerPlex Fusion 6C System. "The attributes of Fusion 6C proved superior to the other options evaluated in our laboratory, while the rapidly mutating Y-STR loci, a unique feature of the kit, may lend additional power to interpreting mixtures."

The PowerPlex Fusion 6C System meets CODIS and European standards, allowing laboratories to achieve the most inter-database compatibility and highest discrimination of any commercially available autosomal STR kit.

PowerPlex® Fusion System

Promega Corp.

  The PowerPlex® Fusion System is a 24-locus multiplex for human identification applications including forensic analysis, relationship testing and research use.   The PowerPlex® Fusion System provides all of the materials needed for co-amplification and five-color fluorescent detection of 24 loci (23 STR loci and Amelogenin), including the CODIS core loci and the European Standard Set (ESS) loci. With 24 loci, the system offers the most STR loci and highest discrimination from a single reaction and delivers more information in demanding forensic, paternity and relationship testing cases. Utilizing proven STR chemistries on existing instrument platforms and software, the PowerPlex® Fusion System requires no software or instrument upgrades.   The PowerPlex® Fusion System works well with extracted DNA samples, including low amounts of template DNA, mixtures and inhibitor-laden samples. The PowerPlex® Fusion System also is compatible with direct amplification, enabling streamlined STR databasing efforts. Amplification can be successfully performed with sample types such as FTA® card punches as well as pretreated swabs, Bode Buccal DNA Collector™ punches or S&S 903 punches. Fast cycling conditions used with PowerPlex® Fusion reduce sample processing time for all samples. PowerPlex® Fusion System Benefits: Achieve the most inter database compatibility and highest discrimination of any autosomal STR kit. Improve laboratory efficiencies with rapid cycling and direct amplification protocols. Obtain a higher success rate with difficult casework samples due to robustness and sensitivity. Simplify validation and QC efforts by using one kit for both casework and databasing sections.

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