DNA analysis is becoming more and more important
in crime investigations. The growth of forensic
databases and the introduction of increasingly
sophisticated analytical methods has resulted in
higher numbers of samples that need to be
processed in forensic laboratories.
With the improved sensitivity and reliability of
molecular technologies, genetic analysis is going
beyond identification of individuals. Information on
physical or personal features based on genetic
characteristics is also investigated. The increased
number of samples created by these developments
has led to the adoption of robotic platforms and
data analysis tools in many forensic laboratories.
MicroLab STAR
Drugs of Abuse Testing
The flexibility of the software and its file handling
capability ensure that a very labor intensive, tedious
and error-prone task is performed correctly and
simply, providing the user with detailed results.
The system processes 264 samples in 40 minutes.
ID STARlet, ID Express
PCR & Microlab STAR
line of workstations
ID Express CE Setup,
Microlab STAR line &
NIMBUS workstations
CE setup
The STAR reads the worklist and calculates the total
volume required for each sample, aspirates this
volume and dispenses to the coated plates that
require that sample. Different tests require different
volumes dispensed to the plate. This routine is
performed with either four or eight samples at a
time depending on the number of channels
available
on
the
instrument.
ID STARlet, ID Express
PCR & Microlab STAR
line of workstations
Normalisation &
SRT setup
The samples and plates are loaded onto the STAR
using the Autoload and the barcodes are read. The
user selects the appropriate worklist to use. A check
is made to ensure that every barcode in the worklist
and every barcoded sample matches. Any
inconsistencies are reported to the user before any
pipetting
takes
place.
ID STARlet & Genomic
STARlet workstations
Quantification
setup
Many organizations elect to routinely test
employees for drugs of abuse. Saliva or urine
samples from employees can be tested for the
presence of any number of drugs. While there are
up to 11 tests typically performed, every test may
not be needed for a particular sample. Thus, the
MICROLAB STAR follows a very specific and
documented worklist (see Customer Statement).
MicroLab AutoLys
workstation
DNA purification
Extensive monitoring features make Hamilton’s liquid
handling and sample storage workstations and are
particularly well suited to the high level of process
safety
and
reliability
required
in
forensic
laboratories.
Sample
lysis
Extensive monitoring features make Hamilton’s liquid
handling and sample storage workstations and are
particularly well suited to the high level of process
safety
and
reliability
required
in
forensic
laboratories.
The forensic analysis process
benefits tremendously from
automation, by lowering the
stresses & chemical risks of
manual liquid handling