Amplicon (targeted) sequencing by massively parallel sequencing (PCR-MPS) is a potential method for use in forensic DNA analyses. In this application, PCR-MPS may supplement or replace other instrumental analysis methods such as capillary electrophoresis and Sanger sequencing for STR and mitochondrial DNA typing, respectively. PCR-MPS also may enable the expansion of forensic DNA analysis methods to include new marker systems such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertion/deletions (indels) that currently are assayable using various instrumental analysis methods including microarray and quantitative PCR. Acceptance of PCR-MPS as a forensic method will depend in part upon developing protocols and criteria that define the limitations of a method, including a defensible analytical threshold or method detection limit. This paper describes an approach to establish objective analytical thresholds suitable for multiplexed PCR-MPS methods. A definition is proposed for PCR-MPS method background noise, and an analytical threshold based on background noise is described.

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The first autosomal sequence‐based allele (aka SNP‐STR haplotype) frequency database for forensic massively parallel sequencing (MPS) has been published, thereby removing one of the remaining barriers to implementing MPS in casework. The database was developed using a specific set of flank trim sites. If different trim sites or different kits with different primers are used for casework, then SNP‐STR haplotypes may be detected that do not have frequencies in the database. We describe a procedure to address calculation of match probabilities when casework samples are generated using an MPS kit with different trim sites than those present in the relevant population frequency database. The procedure provides a framework for comparison of any MPS kit or database combination while also accommodating comparison of MPS and CE profiles.

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