Getting Started with Analysis Templates in MaSTR
An analysis template defines how a DNA mixture is analyzed, including which files to use for the analysis and which options to calculate for the analysis. You specify the following parameters and options in an analysis template for carrying out an STR analysis:
• The system parameters that are specific for the analysis protocol, and the allele frequencies.
• The options for the model that governs the Markov Chain Monty Carlo (MCMC) process and specifies how the software calculates the expected signal (peak) heights in a sample.
| The underlying concept behind MaSTR probabilistic genotyping software is that of a model. This section discusses models only from an application perspective. For an annotated list of reference documentation about Markov Chain Monty Carlo (MCMC) and the theory behind continuous probabilistic mixture analysis, see the Bibliography in the MaSTR User’s Manual. |
• The Likelihood Ratio (LR) options for the sample.
• The option to use an Elimination database in the analysis.
You manage analysis templates on the Analysis Template page. The Analysis Templates page lists the analysis templates that have been added or uploaded to the MaSTR database in reverse chronological order and that can be used in a DNA analysis. The following information is displayed for an analysis template on the Analysis Template page:
• The template name. The name is a hyperlink to the Analysis Template Information page, which details template-specific information and also provides options for working with the frequency.
• The template creation date. The date that the template was added/uploaded to the MaSTR database.
• The template owner. The username for the user who added/uploaded the template to the MaSTR database.
• The Status indicator. By default, any template that is uploaded to the MaSTR database is uploaded with an “Active” status, which is indicated by a white checkmark with a blue background in the Active column. A template with an Active status can be used in a DNA analysis. If a template does not have an Active status, then the Status indicator is a blank checkbox and the template cannot be used in a DNA analysis.
Because an analysis template is unique for your lab’s analysis requirements (SOPs, model requirements such as a 1-person or 2-person mix, and so on), no analysis templates are pre-loaded in the MaSTR database. Instead, you must add your own templates that meet your lab’s requirements. However, after you add your first analysis template to the MaSTR database, you can use this template as the basis for developing your other required templates. You can also use the Upload function to add a new analysis template to the MaSTR database. For any template that you add/upload to the MaSTR database, you can open it simply to view its information, or after viewing its information, you can edit it directly in MaSTR and then save it as a new template in the MaSTR database. You can also change its status, or you can delete it. See: