This volume focuses on the latest techniques used in forensic DNA analysis. The chapters include a comprehensive collection of extraction, quantification, STR amplification, and detection methods for routine forensic samples, including manual, semi-automated, and automated procedures using both home-brew and commercial products. The chapters also discuss probabilistic modeling software and specialized start-to-finish procedures for mitochondrial DNA analysis, archived latent fingerprints, latent DNA, rapid DNA profiling, and next-generation sequencing. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introduction to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Forensic DNA Analysis: An Overview of the Laboratory Process.- Organic Extraction of Nucleic Acids using Ethanol Precipitation or Microcon® Centrifugal Filter Purification Methods.- Manual Silica-Based DNA Extractions.- Applied Biosystems(TM) PrepFiler(TM) Forensic DNA Extraction Kit (Manual and Semi-Automated via AutoMate Express(TM)).- Robotic DNA Extraction Utilizing Qiagen BioSprint® 96 Workstation.- DNA Extraction of Bone through Demineralization.- Differential Extraction with Purification via Organic/Microcon® and Promega DNA IQ(TM) Methods.- DNA Purification from Bloodstains and Buccal Cells/Saliva on FTA® Cards.- Yield Gel via Quantitative Gel Electrophoresis.- Quantitative PCR of Alu Repeats using PowerUp(TM) SYBR® Green Master Mix.- Quantitation of DNA using the Applied Biosystems Quantifiler® Trio DNA Quantification Kit.- QIAGEN's Investigator® Quantiplex Pro Kit.- DNA Amplification using Promega's PowerPlex® Fusion Systems (5C and 6C).- Amplification of Extracted DNA and Direct Amplification with the PowerPlex® Y23 System.- Applied Biosystems' GlobalFiler(TM) PCR Amplification Kit.- QIAGEN's Investigator® 24plex QS and GO! PCR Amplification.- Low Volume STR Amplification Options: Coupling with Standard or Fast PCR, Traditional or Normalized DNA Extraction, and/or Traditional or Alternative Capillary Electrophoresis.- Capillary Electrophoresis with Applied Biosystems' 3500 Genetic Analyzer.- Likelihood Ratio Calculation using LRmix Studio.- Mitochondrial DNA Analysis.- An Optimized Forensic DNA Analysis Workflow for Obtaining STR Results from Archived Latent Fingerprints.- Detection of Latent DNA using a DNA Binding Dye.- Rapid DNA Profile Development with Applied Biosystems RapidHIT(TM) ID System.- Next-Generation Sequencing: ForenSeq(TM) DNA Signature Prep Kit with the Illumina MiSeq FGx.