This combination license provides access to the Case Management application and NGS Data Analysis module of Converge Software v2.1 (purchased separately). Converge Software is an all-in-one, modular, enterprise platform from Thermo Fisher Scientific that provides integrated DNA data management and analysis software for forensic laboratories.

Key features and benefits:
• Analyze NGS data from Precision ID GlobalFiler NGS STR Panel v2, Precision ID mtDNA Whole Genome or Control Region Panels, Precision ID Identity Panel and Precision ID Ancestry Panel
• HID Genotyper plugin contains optimized bioinformatics for analysis of Precision ID GlobalFiler NGS STR Panel v2
• Conduct relevant DNA profile comparisons (CE to CE, CE to NGS, NGS to NGS)

NGS Data Analysis module
The NGS Data Analysis module allows users to analyze STR, SNP or mtDNA data from Precision ID workflows and is required to generate profiles from the Applied Biosystems Precision ID GlobalFiler NGS STR Panel v2. NGS analysis functionality includes information on STR allele call, STR sequence motifs, SNPs in flanking regions, and the ability to distinguish isometric heterozygotes (alleles of the same fragment length but containing different sequences). These additional sources of allelic diversity may be useful in both mixture analysis and kinship interpretation. With an interface that is similar to that of Applied Biosystems GeneMapper ID-X Software, forensic analysts will be able to quickly evaluate NGS data using familiar process quality values (PQVs) and flags such as allele number (AN), off-ladder allele (OL), peak height ratio (PHR), below stochastic threshold (BST), and control concordance (CC). Preconfigured analysis settings are provided within the NGS module and may be modified by the laboratory as needed. Additionally, full auditing functionality is included for chain of custody requirements. Using the NGS Data Analysis module with the Case Management application of Converge software allows for simplified comparison of NGS and CE profiles.

For mtDNA analysis with either the Precision ID mtDNA Whole Genome Panel or the Precision ID mtDNA Control Region Panel, the Converge NGS Data Analysis module provides simple, accurate variant calling. The automated mtDNA NGS analysis pipeline integrates various sources of knowledge for mtDNA variation, including phylotree and EMPOP, to provide fine-tuned alignments and variant calls that avoid the pitfalls of standard algorithms. Laboratories interested in more advanced analysis and reporting of mtDNA types can obtain haplotype and haplogroup information, along with quantitative assessments for point and length heteroplasmies.

The Converge software NGS module contains analysis parameters for generating reports from the Precision ID Ancestry Panel and the Precision ID Identity Panel. Converge SNP analysis provides a variety of metrics to monitor sequencing quality, including coverage of aligned reads to a hotspot, strand bias, number of reads containing each base at the hotspot, genotype call and quality. Tertiary ancestry analysis consists of generating an estimation of admixture prediction from seven geographical regions: Africa, America, East Asia, Europe, Oceania, South Asia, and Southwest Asia, and population likelihoods.

Case Management application
Converge Software is designed to increase the efficiency of forensic and relationship DNA testing laboratories through the centralization of data creation, analysis, and storage to a single access point. The Case Management application supports case, subject, genotype profile, and laboratory data management, and allows for automated data transfer and integration with various forensic DNA laboratory systems. The software is highly configurable to fit specific laboratory workflows, not only for analysis parameters, but also for data fields per the laboratory Standard Operating Procedures. In addition, it allows for configuration of the user interface and output reports, and provides features that help ensure data security and integrity. These features are easily accessible through a secured web browser interface under the protection of the laboratory’s own IT department. A variety of software modules can be readily built on the Converge platform to support various forensic applications.

Learn more about Case Management & Kinship and Paternity Analysis license combo >