Abbott’s Plex-ID to be utilised by leading forensics centre

Abbott's Plex-ID DNA analysis system is to be used by one of the US' leading forensics centres to aid missing persons and human trafficking investigations.

The University of North Texas (UNT) Health Science Center has entered into a collaborative research agreement with the company that will involve the installation of a Plex-ID analyser for use in studying human remains.

Using the Plex-ID mitochondrial DNA assay, scientists will be able to gain superior results from degraded biological specimens, such as hair, tissue, bones, teeth and body fluids, thus greatly aiding the investigational process.

Plex-ID is capable of running both mtDNA and nuclear DNA forensics assays in a single automated process and is being utilised by a growing number of facilities across the world.

Dr Steven Hofstadler, divisional vice-president of research and development for Abbott's Ibis Biosciences subsidiary, said: "Working with the UNT Health Science Center is a major step toward establishing Plex-ID as a system of choice for DNA testing in forensics laboratories."

Earlier this month, the company published data showing the benefits of its Architect tacrolimus assay in monitoring medication among transplant patients.