FSS-i³™ Expert Systems Software

The FSS-i³™ Expert Systems Software is comprised of three components:
i-STRess, i-STReam and i-ntegrity. i-STRess quickly and accurately calls alleles and objectively assesses data quality, allowing analysts to reduce the time spent on manual data review and focus on "problem" samples. i-STReam module evaluates two-person DNA mixtures and produces a best-fit major profile. This aids the reporting analyst in mixture deconvolution and unbiased interpretation. i-ntegrity checks for potential sample-to-sample contamination within a batch by comparing all alleles called in a sample to alleles in every other sample in the batch.

The FSS-i³™ Expert Systems Software is approved by the FBI's National DNA Index System (NDIS) for data review and uploads to CODIS. The software is now available to the US market through Promega Corporation, which provides service, software and training to crime labs.

The FSS-i3™ Expert Systems Software is compatible with GeneMapper® ID, GeneMapper® ID-X and GeneMarker® HID as well as several laboratory information management systems (LIMS) such as StaCS.

Data Analysis Using the FSS-i³™ Software

The Software

• Integrates with existing commercial software: Import data created with Genotyper® or GeneMapper® ID into the FSS-i³™ software for additional analyses.
• Works with most autosomal STR multiplex kits: Use the FSS-i³™ software with data from PowerPlex® 16 and most autosomal STR kits currently available.
• Allows user customization: Configure data input and output files to contain only the information needed. Multiple files can be created, saved and selected for use.
• Allows user-configurable settings: Customize data analysis settings using more than 20 rules to comply with the individual laboratory's data interpretation guidelines.
• Deconvolutes two-person DNA mixtures: Objectively evaluate mixtures in seconds. A best-fit combination of the two DNA profiles is produced wherever possible, and when more than one combination fits the data, the alternative solutions are included in the results.
• Checks for contamination: Be more confident when running multiple cases in an open-well automated format. The FSS-i3™ software compares all alleles called in a sample to alleles in every other sample in the batch. Potential contamination events are flagged, and a report is automatically generated.

Requirements

• Computer: 733MHz Pentium® 3 processor or higher
• Operating system: Windows® 2000 or Windows® XP
• Other software required: Microsoft® Office 97 or 2003

Note: The FSS-i³™ software must be installed on the desktop PC. It is not designed to be run from a network server.

Maintenance & Support

The software comes with a 90-day warranty during which time you are entitled to bug fixes, minor updates and phone and e-mail support.

You are encouraged to purchase a maintenance and support contract, which entitles you to unlimited phone and e-mail support, bug fixes, minor updates and patches at no extra charge, as well as discounts on new releases if they become available during the term of your maintenance and support contract. This contract can be renewed on a yearly basis or purchased for up to three years at one time.

After the warranty, customers who do not purchase or renew the maintenance and support contract can receive technical support by e-mail only.

Contact your local Forensic Regional Account Manager for more details about the maintenance and support contracts for the FSS-i³™ software.

Training

Promega offers an extensive, 5-day training course to familiarize you with every aspect of the FSS-i³™ software. To discuss your training needs, e-mail Promega at: FSSi3@promega.com or call (800) 955-7856.