PDQeX forensicGEM Sperm

The PDQeX forensicGEM Sperm kit offers a simple hands-off method for DNA extraction and purification of sperm. The purified DNA extraction is proven for Y chromosome-specific real time PCR assay, and for sperm lysis as part of a differential extraction procedure.

Using MicroGEM’s PDQeX Nucleic Acid Extractor, there are only two simple steps – quick sample prep and temperature-controlled DNA extraction and purification. This closed-tube, automated approach does not use inhibiting chemicals, such as SDS, mercaptoethanol and DTT, so no additional wash steps are required. DNA yields are preserved and processing time is significantly reduced. This approached generates purified double-stranded DNA ready for high-throughput screening and is ideal for STR, PCR and qPCR applications.
Comprehensive lysis of sperm cells in 20 minutes
Simplified, hands-off workflow with no additional purification steps
Extracts DNA from sperm in very small volumes and with very few sperm
Reduced handling protects the integrity of the sample

Sperm cells are a difficult type of cell to lyse, often requiring qPCR and STR-inhibiting chemicals such as SDS, mercaptoethanol and DTT, to lyse sperm cells. These chemicals are toxic to downstream processes and must be removed via purification steps. These steps are time-consuming and result in a loss of DNA, making it not possible to work with very small numbers of cells since DNA is lost at every step.

The PDQeX forensicGEM sperm lysis kit uses our proprietary reagent, Acrosolv, to lyse sperm without the use of chemicals that inhibit qPCR and PCR. The closed tube system and reduced handling ensure yields are preserved, extraction times are significantly shorter, and the risk of contamination is minimized. Additional benefits:
the ability to detect the best sample to send for amplification
the ability to detect the presence of male DNA on samples where serology would not be an effective screening tool
reduced false positives
the ability to predict differential results
the ability to send samples with overwhelming female DNA directly to Y STR
Inhibition and degradation detection.


Quick-Start Guide: PDQeX forensicGEM Sperm
Application Note: forensicGEM Sperm Lysis – validation of a rapid sperm lysis protocol for Y screening using the PDQeX Nucleic Acid Extractor and real time PCR

Acoustic Trapping of Sperm Cells from Mock Sexual Assault Samples Using forensicGEM Sperm (view abstract)
The prototype acoustic trapping technology, developed at the University of Virginia, isolated intact sperm cells from mock samples containing a 40-fold excess in female epithelial cells over sperm cells. forensicGEM Sperm was used to rapidly lyse sperm cells with no purification steps. Downstream PCR amplification resulted in male-only profiles.

forensicGEM Sperm lysis has been validated for Y Screening
Read the NYC Office of the Chief Medical Officer protocol for Y Screening.