QIAGEN partners with FBI to develop digital PCR assay for QIAcuity for use in forensics

Collaboration aims to create novel digital PCR assay to improve successful results in DNA analysis from human samples for use in forensics and human identification // DNA quantification enables law enforcement and forensic researchers to analyze a broader range of evidence more quickly, accurately and reliably // Collaboration strengthens QIAGEN’s leading position in human identification and forensics

Venlo, the Netherlands, and Washington, D.C., May 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- QIAGEN (NYSE: QGEN; Frankfurt Prime Standard: QIA) today announced a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to develop a novel test for its QIAcuity digital PCR devices that will boost forensics by improving the quantification of DNA in human samples.

The collaboration aims to develop a first-of-its-kind digital PCR (dPCR) assay that can simultaneously quantify in absolute terms nuclear and mitochondrial DNA concentrations, male DNA, and include quality markers for degradation and inhibition.

Forensic samples often contain very small amounts of DNA, which can be further compromised by age or environmental factors such as soil. Compared to traditional quantitative PCR, dPCR offers a higher tolerance to inhibitors and enables forensic specialists to detect and quantify even minimal amounts of DNA with high accuracy. This capability significantly improves the success rate of forensic analysis while saving time and money.

Accurate DNA quantification in casework samples is also crucial for informed workflow decisions in successful next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis. By using the appropriate amount of DNA in library preparation, sequencing errors or biases are minimized. NGS is particularly important for analyzing mitochondrial DNA in traces without nuclear DNA, such as shed hairs, aged bones and teeth, or environmentally exposed samples. This analysis plays a critical role in identifying human remains.

CRADAs enable the sharing of resources and expertise for collaborative research that advances the FBI mission. “The FBI conducts research to develop new capabilities that advance forensic science. This novel digital PCR assay could benefit the FBI and other forensic laboratories. We are excited to collaborate with QIAGEN to evaluate the potential of this capability in forensic casework,” said Eric Pokorak, Assistant Director, FBI Laboratory Division.