Combining artificial neural network classification with fully continuous probabilistic genotyping to remove the need for an analytical threshold and electropherogram reading

Standard processing of electrophoretic data within a forensic DNA laboratory is for one (or two) analysts to designate peaks as either artefactual or non-artefactual in a process commonly referred to as profile 'reading'. Recently, FaSTRTM DNA has been developed to use artificial neural networks to automatically classify fluorescence within an electropherogram as baseline, allele, stutter or pull-up. These classifications are based on probabilities assigned to each timepoint (scan) within the electropherogram. Instead of using the probabilities to assign fluorescence into a category they can be used directly in the profile analysis. This has a number of advantages; increased objectivity in DNA profile processing, the removal for the need for analysts to read profiles, the removal for the need of an analytical threshold. Models within STRmixTM were extended to incorporate the peak label probabilities assigned by FaSTRTM DNA. The performance of the model extensions was tested on a DNA mixture dataset, comprising 2-4 person samples. This dataset was processed in a 'standard' manner using an analytical threshold of 50rfu, analyst peak designations and STRmixTM V2.9 models. The same dataset was then processed in an automated manner using no analytical threshold, no analysts reading the profile and using the STRmixTM models extended to incorporate peak label probabilities. Both datasets were compared to the known DNA donors and a set of non-donors. The result between the two processes was a very close performance, but with a large efficiency gain in the 0rfu process. Utilising peak label probabilities opens up the possibility for a range of workflow process efficiency gains, but beyond this allows full use of all data within an electropherogram.