STRmix Team Releases New Version of FaSTR™ DNA
Software Features Improved Artefact Detection, Y-STR NoC Estimation Tool
Improved artefact detection and filtering, the ability to group replicates, and the addition of a number of contributors (NoC) estimation tool for Y-STR profiles are among the features included in the newest version of FaSTR™ DNA, released today by the same team that developed breakthrough DNA forensic software STRmix™.
FaSTR™ DNA 1.3 combines an intuitive, user-friendly graphical interface with easily understandable and laboratory-customizable rules to rapidly analyze raw DNA data generated by capillary electrophoresis instruments and multiplex DNA profiling kits, and assign number of contributor (NoC) estimates.
Along with improvements introduced in the previous version of the software, such as known artefact detection and optional new viewing modes for scanpoint view and individual channel zoom, FaSTR™ DNA 1.3 features the ability to export a consensus reference profile, detect absence of primer flare in all sample types, add notes to EPGs and snips for PDF reports, create a sub-set of an analysed project for better case management, and filter values in the peaks table columns.
FaSTR™ DNA 1.3 also introduces detection of cross channel artefacts, improved known artefact detection (to include positional artefacts), additional customization options for sample reports and exports, and additional pull-up detection information with the display of pull-up indicators for parent peaks.
“The development of FaSTR™ DNA 1.3 was driven through extensive engagement with the end user community to ensure the feature set is targeted to real world needs and is useful for casework operations,” says Dr Meng-Han Lin, Senior Scientist, STRmix Team.
FaSTR™ DNA works by applying a set of highly configurable rules to streamline the analysis of STR DNA profiles. In some instances, DNA analysis is more complex and automated heuristics (analysis rules) alone may not be able to resolve all profiles. Where the intervention of a DNA analyst is required, FaSTR™ DNA readily provides all details related to possible ambiguity of a peak (including stutter type, stutter ratio, composite stutter, pull-up proportion, N/shoulder peak, peak morphology, stochastic homozygous threshold, heterozygote imbalance, known artefact information etc.) and signals a requirement for the DNA analyst to make a decision. It then records and highlights changes made by the analyst.
The algorithms used for analysis in FaSTR™ DNA are conceptually adapted from the proven approach of OSIRIS analysis software (National Center for Biotechnology Information).
When used in conjunction with STRmix™ (which resolves mixed DNA profiles previously regarded as too complex or degraded to interpret) and DBLR™ (which enables users to calculate any kinship relationship conceivable, undertake fast database searches, visualize the value of DNA mixture evidence, and determine whether there is a common donor to profiles), FaSTR™ DNA delivers an end-to-end analysis, interpretation, and intelligence solution, completing the full workflow(external link).
Prior to releasing FaSTR™ DNA 1.3, the STRmix Team completed additional compatibility testing of the software with .fsa files generated using the latest security patched data collection software provided by Thermo Fisher Scientific on the 3500 Genetic Analyzer and SeqStudio Flex Genetic Analyzer. The files tested were generated using the GlobalFiler™ and PowerPlex® Y23 kits respectively. These files can be successfully opened and analyzed in all commercially released versions of FaSTR™ DNA.
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