The simplicity of
forensicGEM™ Tissue maximizes yields of DNA from trace samples.

DNA Extraction
Using forensicGEM™ Tissue

forensicGEM™ Tissue is a kit specifically formulated for extracting quality DNA from a range of forensic tissue types including common sample presentations such as nail scrapings and hair follicles.

forensicGEM™ is validated and quality tested for forensic applications.
The performance of the enzyme and buffer combination delivers optimal yields of DNA from a variety of tissue types.
The kit’s optimized methods and formulations provide DNA in just 20 minutes.
All buffers and reagents are PCR compatible with common profiling kits.
The protocol can be performed in closed-tube format and without limited handling

These features make forensicGEM™ Tissue particularly valuable for high-throughput automation of high-volume crime samples, whilst being as easy to perform in limited throughput by hand. The closed-tube nature of the method protects the integrity of the sample through the extraction procedure: limiting opportunity for cross contamination and operator error.

To purchase products over the phone or by fax, proceed to customer service >>

Workflow

Workflow

Extraction Method

The following procedure outlines general guidelines. Different sample types will require slight method variations.

Preparation
All manipulations should be performed in a clean room or a PCR hood. Use only certified DNA-free tubes and reagents and wash forceps, scalpels and dissection surfaces in 0.05% hypochlorite bleach. Rinse thoroughly with DNA-free water.

Tissue Type	Procedure
Tissue (fat, muscle, organs)	Cut the tissue into cubes of approximately 1.5 mm3. Mash the sample with the side of the scalpel and place in a thin-walled PCR tube.
Hair follicles	Cut the shaft 5 mm above the follicle and place in a thin-walled PCR tube.

1. Add:

89 µl DNA-free water
10 µl of 10x buffer PINK
1 µl forensicGEM™

2. Incubate at 75°C for 15 minutes.
3. Incubate at 95°C for 5 minutes. A thermal cycler can be used for this step
4. Aspirate the extract away from the tissue.

Technical Tips

The forensicGEM™ Tissue procedure can be automated using most liquid handling robots.
forensicGEM™ Tissue is a preparative method for DNA extraction - it is not a purification protocol. Its purpose is to lyse cells and to strip the DNA of nucleoproteins. The formulation creates DNA that can be used for SNiPs, STRs, quantitative, multiplex and routine PCR applications.
For accurate yield assessment, a qPCR is recommended. The DNA produced by forensicGEM™ is approximately 90% single-stranded. If standard fluorescent chelating dyes are to be used for quantification, this factor should be taken into consideration.
As with any preparative method for nucleic acid extraction, for best results prepare and manage samples at 4ºC, or on ice, before and after extraction.
When storing the sample after extraction, aspirate the supernatant from the precipitated residue and store separately.
forensicGEM™ is stable for 30 days at 4º C, for longer-term storage forensicGEM™ should be stored at -20ºC.
For long-term storage of the extracted DNA, add TE buffer to 1x and store at -20°C.

DNA Extraction Using forensicGEM™ Tissue

DNA Extraction
Using forensicGEM™ Tissue