Development of Improved Methods for Low Template DNA Analysis

Abstract

Traditional forensic DNA profiling by PCR of short tandem repeats is considered a robust and reliable method of human identification. However, difficulties can occur when the starting DNA template is limited in quantity or quality. Various methods to improve the sensitivity of the PCR have been suggested for use with samples containing low levels of starting template. While these methods do allow for increasingly smaller amounts of DNA to be examined, stochastic sampling effects seen in the final profiles often make interpretation of results difficult, indicating a need for improved low template DNA analysis and interpretation strategies. This project, therefore, aimed to investigate and develop alternative methods for analysis of samples with limited starting template.

Date of Award	14 Jun 2014
Original language	English
Sponsors	Victoria Police Forensic Service
Supervisor	Angela Van Daal (Supervisor), Kevin John Ashton (Supervisor), Lotti Tajouri (Supervisor) & Sarah Gardner (Supervisor)