Investigator Argus X-12 QS Kit (25)

This QIAGEN forensic kit performs advanced X-chromosomal analysis through multiplex PCR amplification of 12 X-chromosomal STR markers, together with D21S11 as an autosomal alignment marker and Amelogenin. The markers are clustered into four linkage groups of three markers each, handled as haplotypes for genotyping. The kit supports informative kinship and paternity testing and is also suitable for forensic stain analysis, such as identifying female traces on a male background.

A unique Quality Sensor (QS) is co-amplified with the sample DNA as an internal performance control, providing a direct indication of whether PCR amplification succeeded, whether DNA was absent, or whether the PCR itself failed — helping the analyst decide whether repeating the reaction is worthwhile. Inclusion of the D21S11 marker allows profiles to be aligned with those generated from the expanded CODIS or ESS standard marker sets to minimize the risk of sample mix-up.

The kit uses QIAGEN's Fast Reaction Mix 2.0 chemistry, delivering a PCR speed of approximately 80 minutes along with high sensitivity and inhibitor resistance. Reaction volume is 25 µl, using Matrix BT5 and five fluorescence labels: 6-FAM™, BTG, BTY, BTR and BTO. The kit is validated for use on ABI PRISM® 3100/3100-Avant, Applied Biosystems 3130/3130xl, and Applied Biosystems 3500/3500xL Genetic Analyzers.