DNA MIXTURE ANALYSIS

MaSTR™ software was designed following The Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC) and Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) probabilistic guidelines and published probabilistic approaches (Taylor, et al. and Bright et al).

MaSTR™ probabilistic genotyping software makes efficient use of the lab computer resources. With Server-client based technology, processing is done on the server and multiple clients can review results and send new jobs (Figure 1). Each user sets up and sends analysis jobs from existing Client computers. Expedited cases can be moved to the front of the queue by laboratory management. The High-speed server processes data from the queued jobs submitted by client computers. The design is flexible – labs with a lower caseload may opt to install server/database and client on the same computer.

MaSTR™ software’s unique, easy-to-use interface enables analysts to create and submit mixture analysis jobs in minutes. The server-client configuration provides flexibility and lowers costs by performing the analyses on a dedicated computer, freeing up the analyst’s time and computer for other tasks.

Provides a framework for growth:

• MaSTR software easily adapts future chemistries
• Upgrade statistical approach without changing software version
• Utilizes the laboratory’s unique data set to “train” the software
• After validation, lock in models for casework

Models for the current statistical approach are preloaded in MaSTR software; statistical advances will be included with software updates. Researchers can easily experiment with new model variables and submit to the peer reviewed process for publication and advancement of forensic probabilistic analysis. 

Software validation studies by independent researchers are in progress:

Dr. Michael Adamowicz, Director of the Forensic Science program at the University of Nebraska is performing a full validation of MaSTR™ software. Click here to receive a copy of the validation study upon its completion. Prior to heading up the forensic science program at Lincoln, Dr. Adamowicz was a faculty member and forensic science program coordinator at the University of New Haven, Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice & Forensic Sciences. During his tenure at the Connecticut State Forensic Laboratory, he served as a supervisor in the DNA unit and managed both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA casework groups. From 2007 – 2009 Dr. Adamowicz was a member of the SWGDAM Mixture Committee developing / writing mixture analysis guidelines.

The forensic community will have access to the validation study upon submission for peer reviewed publication. SoftGenetics will provide the validation data files to laboratories that wish to use it in their initial evaluation of a MaSTR software trial. 

Single server-based program has an extraordinary capacity to meet most forensic laboratory needs. Low cost, additional client users allows each analyst station to have access to MaSTR™. The initial license includes 2 concurrent users, additional low cost licenses are available on request.

• The Database

Used to manage the job queue, store analysis results, and store important information (Panels, Models, Protocol Sets, etc).

• The Server

Runs the analysis and communicates with the client to provide results.

• The Client

One or more clients may connect to the server to submit jobs and review results.

MaSTR™ software support is provided by SoftGenetics’ team and industry experts:

• Forensic Scientists
• Molecular Biologists
• Mathematicians
• Bioinformaticians
• Programmers

We have a long-standing commitment to providing support to laboratories during software evaluation, validation and training to bring our software tools online in the laboratory.

Training Options include:

• Immediate online assistance for individuals or groups via web meeting
• Training for small groups at our State College PA facility (cost dependent on number of participants)
• On-site training (cost dependent on number of participants and location)

Modes of Operation

MaSTR™ requires the user to log in order to access the software functions. This requirement allows the laboratory to password protect their individual models and mixture analysis results.

Admin

• Administrative tools– no data analysis
• Assigning user name/password to individuals to log in to the software
• Providing users with the appropriate access rights and user group access

Demo/Training

• Guided walk through of the software with pop-up boxes describing each step of setting up an analysis to reviewing results and saving reports 
• No password required, open access to learn MaSTR software

Research/Validation

• Tools for validation teams to establish laboratory SOPs for casework and R&D scientists to apply their forensic expertise to advance models for complex mixture data analysis

Casework

• Models locked in by Admin after validation
• Password protected
• User group access rights
• Flexible Reporting
• Audit Trail