Xtrana unveiled the latest in its line of DNA extraction kits in early 2002. The Xtra Amp Series III kit allows for the rapid isolation of genomic DNA for amplification from whole tissues, tissue culture cells, rodent tails, bloodstains, and yeast. In the current testing, preliminary experiments were designed to optimize the new DNA extraction procedure for use with mock case samples, typically samples that would either be collected at a mass disaster crime scene or used as reference samples. These included bloodstains on various substrates, chewed gum, cigarette butts, human tissue, and hair. This report details the research procedures, including the collection and preparation of a variety of mock case samples, the DNA extraction and amplification, and Gel electrophoresis and DNA analysis. The findings reported pertain to the optimization of conditions for DNA extraction and amplification, the lysing procedure that could accommodate the majority of the sample types, the binding capacity of the Xtra Bind matrix, and the advantages of the Xtra Amp system. Overall, these preliminary studies show the capability of the Xtra Amp system to produce rapid robotic extractions of mass disaster DNA samples, suggesting that it can quickly produce victim identifications in mass disasters. 5 figures and 9 references