A simplified amplification procedure for two regions of the glycosyl transferase (ABO blood group) gene.

The ability to classify the ABO blood group of physiological stains has been an important tool for forensic scientists. A streamlined method for the determination of glycosyl transferase (ABO) genotypes using PCR amplification is described and validated here. Successful amplification and typing is possible with 1-2 ng template DNA. Concordance studies with samples of known types and nonprobative forensic casework samples were performed. Bloodstains from a single individual from one case produced results discrepant from those obtained by conventional serological ABO typing. All other samples produced results in complete agreement with expected ABO phenotypes. The method described here is relatively simple to perform, requires minimal template DNA and can be completed in less than one day.