Overall success rate data showed 80% of samples yielded a complete profile at reduced volume,
compared to 78% at full volume. Particularly high success rates were observed for the blood on fabric/
textile category with 100% of micro-punch samples yielding complete profiles at reduced volume and
85% at full volume.
Following the success of this trial, direct amplification of suitable casework blood samples has been
implemented at reduced volume. Significant benefits have been experienced, most noticeably where
results from crucial items have been provided to police investigators prior to interview of suspects, and a
coronial identification has been successfully completed in a short timeframe to avoid delay in the release
of human remains to family members.
The Promega PowerPlex1 21 PCR Amplification System has
demonstrated a clear ability to handle overtly impure casework
blood samples and produce complete profiles from direct
amplification in less than 3 h. This has significantly reduced the
time and expense required to routinely process samples by
removing the requirement for extraction and qPCR. There are
obvious benefits to laboratory operations in implementing direct
amplification of these sample types, with reduced volume
reactions also providing a clear avenue for further fiscal savings.
In a non fiscal context, direct amplification has provided significant
support for intelligence-led policing and will undoubtedly
continue be an advantageous tool in the critical early stages of
criminal investigations.