PRODUCT BULLETIN Human Identification

Converge softwareA comprehensive forensic analysis platform that adapts to the way you work

Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a streamlined solution for kinship and paternity testing on Converge software with the Applied Biosystems™ Converge™ Kinship and Paternity module. This module incorporates data from Applied Biosystems™ GeneMapper™ ID-X software in Converge software to enable automated analysis and reporting of routine paternity and other relationship-testing cases. It also allows for genetic likelihood ratio calculations, as well as the generation of reports for any complex relationship analysis. Converge software can help save precious time, increase confidence in lab results, and improve overall lab efficiency in forensic DNA data management and kinship analysis.

Key features and benefits• Centralize forensic data and analysis to help increase

lab efficiency

• Manage all case information in one place for easy access

• Integrate seamlessly with existing systems

• Customize information architecture, data inputs, and parameters to meet the needs of your laboratory

• Streamline kinship and paternity analysis

IntroductionFor forensic laboratories, data management and analysis are daunting tasks requiring numerous procedural steps and complex decision making. As a result, many laboratories rely heavily on their software systems to effectively manage their day-to-day laboratory operations.

Applied Biosystems™ Converge™ software, an all-in-one, modular, enterprise platform from Thermo Fisher Scientific, integrates DNA data management and analysis into a single software package designed to increase the efficiency of forensic and relationship DNA-testing laboratories. Through the centralization of data creation, analysis, and storage to a single access point, Converge software supports case, subject, genotype profile, and laboratory data management, and allows for automated data transfer between various forensic DNA laboratory systems. The system is highly configurable to fit specific laboratory workflows, not only for analysis parameters, but also incorporation of data fields per a laboratory’s standard operating procedures (SOPs). Converge software also allows for configuration of the user interface and output reports, and provides features that help ensure data security and integrity. These features are easily accessible through a secured web browser under the protection of a laboratory’s IT department.

Case ManagementThe Applied Biosystems™ Converge™ Case Management module centralizes all case data into one easy-to-access location, allowing laboratories to effi ciently manage daily operations and streamline the discovery process. The module serves the needs of various users such as laboratory managers and analysts, providing intuitive data views that are confi gurable to the needs of each user and preserved for that user’s login. The information management confi gurability allows the user to focus on pertinent information and adapts to a laboratory’s specifi c needs by enabling the addition of new data fi elds. Case data management includes metadata related to the case, subjects, DNA profi les, and attachments, with extensive data fi elds available to track all required information.

Case Dashboard Ideal for quickly reviewing case status and accessing case reports, the Case Dashboard functionality allows for an at-a-glance overview of the case (Figure 1). Extensive search and fi ltering capabilities on many data elements allow for faster access to relevant information, saving time and effort. Once performed, searches can be saved and viewed at a later date. Cases can also be exported for external sharing and storage and can be imported back as needed. Archiving cases can be scheduled or performed manually, allowing closed cases to be removed from the active dashboard. Should the need arise, archived cases can always be retrieved in the Case Dashboard.

Case DetailsThe Case Details feature presents all case information in one view and allows access to case metadata such as case ID, requesting organization, description, priority, status, creation date, and owner (Figure 2). Added functionality allows the user to create and manage subjects through extensive subject details, capturing all necessary information that is saved, tracked, and retrieved. Subject details include, but are not limited to, name, date of birth, ethnicity, address, phone number, and government-issued identifi cation. Additionally, exported DNA profi les from GeneMapper ID-X software can be imported and stored in Converge software. The DNA profi le along with its metadata, including the kit used to generate the data, is preserved. Multiple profi les utilizing different-chemistry kits can be generated and associated with the same subject, as is often needed in kinship cases. Converge software also offers the ability to merge profi les and create a composite profi le that can then be used in kinship analysis. Lastly, the attachments feature allows users to easily upload fi les like pictures, Microsoft™ Word documents, and Microsoft™ Excel™ fi les, organizing all case information in one location.

Kinship and paternity analysisKinship and paternity testing can provide challenges in both the sheer volume of cases to be analyzed, as well as the complexity of laboratory workfl ows and statistical analyses being performed. The Converge Kinship and Paternity module offers a comprehensive set of

Figure 1. Converge software Case Dashboard centralizes all case information in one view, allowing for a quick review of case information.

parameters to perform analysis, allowing laboratories to conduct various types of relationship testing in a fraction of the time as compared to current methods. With Converge software, users can quickly and easily create a variety of hypotheses by drawing pedigree trees and setting comprehensive analysis parameters, including application of mutation models and population substructures (Figure 3). In addition, analysis is conducted utilizing validated algorithms.

Through an intuitive user interface, analysts can easily review detailed results, as well as generate and electronically sign reports in a few simple steps. Converge software provides one default report template; however,

laboratories can use existing tools to modify this template and adjust the report to their desired format. For trio and duo testing in paternity and maternity cases, Quick Kinship Analysis (KA) functionality from the Case Dashboard integrates all of these steps on one screen, saving time within the laboratory. Extensive documentation is provided to support laboratories while learning to use the software and throughout the validation process.

Validation Complex analysis parameters used in kinship analysis require validation in order to determine the appropriate settings for the thresholds governing the data

Figure 2. Converge software Case Details allows easy access to all case metadata.

Figure 3. The Converge Kinship and Paternity module offers an intuitive user interface to quickly perform relationship testing.

interpretation. Therefore, it is important that the software be tested using a variety of samples that challenge each different relationship-testing scenario. Although default settings are suggested within the software, these should be adjusted based on the outcome of each laboratory’s internal evaluation of Converge software. Optimizing any software will require an additional investment on the part of the laboratory. Extensive system verifi cation has been performed at Thermo Fisher Scientifi c, and a summary of these verifi cation studies are available as a reference guide for users interested in implementing the software.

Rely on our team of expertsTo help labs integrate, validate, and implement new technologies, our Human Identifi cation Professional Services (HPS) team offers services designed to help customers successfully navigate the validation process.

Through a consultative approach, the HPS team of forensic experts can work with you to integrate Converge software seamlessly in your laboratory.

Scalable enterprise solutionConverge software allows you to batch-analyze multiple cases (for example, GeneMapper ID-X software results

for an entire 96-well plate) in one step. The software identifi es and processes Trio Paternity, Trio Maternity, Duo Fatherless, and Duo Motherless kinship tests by automatically creating cases, adding subjects and profi les, running analyses, and generating reports.

Converge software is also designed to address the needs of forensic and paternity laboratories, allowing additional applications modules to be built upon the software such as next-generation sequencing data analysis.

SecurityEasily accessible through a web browser, data can be accessed from any computer with connectivity privileges to the Converge software server and is deployed within a laboratory’s own intranet. Access to data within the software is secured through various security policies, including password expiration and account suspension. Backup and restore functionalities allow laboratories to securely maintain data and manage disaster recovery situations.

Converge software server The Converge software server is a Linux™-based server system that hosts Converge software using an Internet

Protocol (IP) address configured in the system. The Converge software server requires an administrator to manage user accounts and comes pre-configured with the following components and settings:

• Dell™ PowerEdge™ T110 II base unit

• Red Hat™ Enterprise Linux™ operating system

• Apache™ Tomcat™ application server that runs Converge software

• PostgreSQL database server that stores the data for the server and software

• Google™ Chrome™ browser

• Automatic configuration of IP, Domain Name Service (DNS), and Windows Internet Name Service (WINS) settings via Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

Note: See the manufacturer’s documentation accompanying the server or the manufacturer’s website for network requirements, specifications, and product details.

Supported browsers Converge software is supported for use with the following browsers:

• Apple™ Safari™ browser v8

• Microsoft™ Internet Explorer™ browser v11

• Google™ Chrome™ browser v45

Note: Google Chrome browser is the only browser available on the Converge software server.

Converge software server components

Description

Dell™ PowerEdge T110 II Tower Server

Dell™ Flat Panel Monitor, 23 inches (or equivalent) with cable

Dell™ Quiet Key USB Keyboard

Dell™ Laser USB Mouse

4 GB USB drive

Power cord*

RJ45 CAT6 Ethernet cable

USB drive (Converge software)

USB drive (Converge software documentation) * Supplied with the server and monitor. Supplies 13 A/125 V depending on the geographic location of the installation.

Converge software server specifications

Specification Description

Processor Intel™ Xeon™ Processor E3–1230 v2 (8 M cache, 3.30 GHz, Intel™ Turbo Boost™ Technology, quad core/8 threads/69 W TDP)

Memory 16 GB memory (2 × 8 GB); 1,600 Mhz; dual rank, low-voltage UDIMM

Hard drive 2 × 2 TB, 7,200 RPM, SATA 3 Gb/s, 3.5-inch cabled hard drive

Data storage RAID 1 with add-in H200 (SAS/SATA) controller, 2 hard drives

Find out more at thermofisher.com/convergeFor Research, Forensic, or Paternity and Cell Line Authentication. Not for use in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. © 2016 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of Thermo Fisher Scientific and its subsidiaries unless otherwise specified. Excel and Internet Explorer are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. PowerEdge is a trademark of Dell Inc. Chrome is a trademark of Google Inc. Safari is a trademark of Apple. Enterprise Linux is a trademark of Red Hat. Tomcat is a trademark of The Apache Software Foundation. Xeon and Turbo Boost are trademarks of Intel Corporation. COL31106 0316

Ordering information

Description Cat. No.

Converge software server A31099

Converge Case Management License v1.0 (1 user, 1 year) A30992

Converge Case Management License v1.0 (1 user, 3 years) A30993

Converge Case Management License v1.0 (1 user, 5 years) A30994

Converge Case Management License v1.0 (5 users, 1 year) A30995

Converge Case Management License v1.0 (5 users, 3 years) A30996

Converge Case Management License v1.0 (5 users, 5 years) A30997

Converge Case Management License v1.0 (25 users, 1 year) A30998

Converge Case Management License v1.0 (25 users, 3 years) A30999

Converge Case Management License v1.0 (25 users, 5 years) A31000

Converge Kinship Analysis License v1.0 (1 user, 1 year) A31001

Converge Kinship Analysis License v1.0 (1 user, 3 years) A31002

Converge Kinship Analysis License v1.0 (1 user, 5 years) A31003

Converge Kinship Analysis License v1.0 (5 users, 1 year) A31004

Converge Kinship Analysis License v1.0 (5 users, 3 years) A31005

Converge Kinship Analysis License v1.0 (5 users, 5 years) A31006

Converge Kinship Analysis License v1.0 (25 users, 1 year) A31007

Converge Kinship Analysis License v1.0 (25 users, 3 years) A31008

Converge Kinship Analysis License v1.0 (25 users, 5 years) A31009