The Promega PowerPlex Y23 System is now approved for use in laboratories that generate DNA records for the National DNA Index System (NDIS). NDIS is the US national database containing over ten million offender profiles used to help authorities in solving criminal investigations nationwide. Launched in July 2012, the PowerPlex Y23 System is a rapid human identification Y-chromosome short tandem repeat (Y-STR) assay for forensic casework, offender databasing, and relationship testing. Thermal cycling time is cut roughly in half, and the system detects substantially more Y-STR loci than current systems. The multiplex system co-amplifies 23 Y-STR loci, providing maximum discrimination. In addition, these 23 loci include all of the Y-STR loci found in key public STR databases in the US and Europe. The system works with extracted DNA, including DNA from difficult samples with lower amounts of template and male:female mixtures. Streamlined protocols are provided for all sample types. The combination of reduced sample preparation time and shorter cycling times results in a significant reduction in total time to process samples. For many laboratories, this will save more than a half day per plate. The additional loci and increased haplotype resolution improve scientists' ability to distinguish individuals from different paternal lines. The PowerPlex Y23 System is useful in multiple applications, including paternity testing, offender databasing and forensic casework such as sexual assault cases, missing persons investigations, and familial searching initiatives.

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