Investigator 26plex QS Kit

The Investigator 26plex QS Kit is for human identification, allowing multiplex amplification of all Chinese National database loci, CODIS-required markers and Amelogenin. Due to the choice of markers that also includes Penta E and Penta D, the kit offers best-in-class discrimination power. Furthermore, the kit includes the innovative Quality Sensor, which means that the Investigator 26plex QS Kit generates additional, valuable data for your quality control and performance checks. The kit uses QIAGEN's latest fast-cycling technology FRM 3.0, which not just enables PCR in just 60 minutes, but also provides enhanced robustness towards DNA overloading and stability. Highly sensitive, yielding rapid and reliable results from trace DNA, the Investigator 26plex QS Kit is suitable for forensic and paternity testing. Once you've tried it, you'll always insist on Quality Sensor!

The Investigator 26plex QS Kit utilizes our latest FRM 3.0 technology and provides reliable results in approximately 60 minutes, which is significantly faster than kits from other suppliers. The new chemistry makes the kit more robust towards DNA overloading whenever no DNA quantification is done and provides a very good stability of the Mastermix when stored at 4°C.

Furthermore, it is based on proven QIAGEN multiplex PCR technology that has been further optimized for ease of handling and increased sensitivity. Assay performance tests in the presence of increasing concentrations of inhibitors showed both high sensitivity and superior inhibitor resistance. This means reliable, high-quality results.

The Investigator 26plex QS Kit was validated and evaluated using the GeneAmp 9700 thermal cycler (in standard mode) and the Applied Biosystems 3500 Genetic Analyzer. The recommended amount of DNA under standard conditions is 0.5 ng. Internal validations demonstrated robust and balanced results with 0.2 to 6 ng DNA, and reliable results with <0.1 ng DNA.

The Investigator 26plex QS Kit uses QIAGEN's fast-cycling PCR technology for the rapid, simultaneous amplification of the Chinese, CODIS and European standard markers, as well as Amelogenin. Carefully designed primers minimize the overlap of alleles of different makers, thereby minimizing the likelihood of misinterpretation of data.

The innovative Quality Sensors provide additional information on the sample quality and PCR success beyond the profile of the sample. With two Quality Sensors being amplified as a positive control, it is possible to determine:

If the PCR amplification worked
If there was any DNA in the sample
If the sample was degraded
If inhibitors in the sample prevented successful PCR
This additional information will greatly enhance how you analyze your data and aid you in making crucial decisions with respect to further sample processing. Ultimately, the Quality Sensors will help you reduce unnecessary re-runs, saving you time and money.

The optimized design of the two gender markers, Amelogenin and DYS391, enables the Investigator 26plex QS Kit to have both at a small fragment size, making the gender typing extremely robust. Even for populations with Amelogenin Null mutations, this means no more failures with the essential gender typing, even with degraded or inhibited samples.

The STR markers, Quality Sensor and the gender-specific Amelogenin are amplified simultaneously in a single PCR and labeled with one of the dyes listed in Table 1.

The amplified loci then undergo capillary electrophoresis. The results can be analyzed using dedicated software, such as Applied Biosystems GeneMapper ID-X. See the kit technical specifications for more information.

Table 1. Investigator 26plex QS Kit dyes and corresponding markers

The Investigator 26plex QS Kit is for rapid and reliable generation of DNA profiles from blood, buccal swabs and forensic stains. It is highly suited for:

• Criminal forensic casework samples
• Paternity testing
• Forensics applications

The Investigator 26plex QS Kit provides the full flexibility for any kind of application and use because the DNA Size Standard is purchased separately: DNA Size Standard 450 (BTO), cat. no. 386045, with 13 fragments of higher fluorescence and adjusted for high concentration of DNA input/no quant; or DNA Size Standard 24plex (BTO), cat. no. 386035, with 26 fragments, standard fluorescence, dedicated for standard applications (casework or reference samples) in human ID and forensics.