The effect of whole genome amplification on samples originating from more than one donor

Abstract In this study, the GenomiPhi™ DNA Amplification Kit (Amersham Biosciences) was used to investigate the potential of whole genome amplification (WGA) when considering samples originating from more than one donor. DNA was extracted from blood samples, quantified and normalised before being mixed in ratios of 1:1, 1:3, 1:7 and 1:15. Proportions were checked using standard STR analysis before being subjected to WGA. Once amplified using GenomiPhi™, the ratios were again checked. Relative proportions were found to be maintained in the 1:1 and 1:3 ratios following WGA; the observed peak ratios were found to match the expected peak ratios regardless of the starting concentration of DNA. W…