NCJ Number
209744
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 50 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2005 Pages: 555-563
Date Published
May 2005
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated the effectiveness of the BioRobot EZ1 workstation as an automated method for DNA extraction.
Abstract
Forensic DNA laboratories are under constant demand to produce quick results and process ever increasing numbers of cases and evidence samples. The extraction of DNA from forensic evidence samples is a crucial step in the analysis process and as such, a robust DNA extract method is required. The Qiagen Corporation developed an automated method of DNA extraction involving magnetic bead technology. It is called the BioRobot EZ1 workstation and it involves a small, rapid, and reliable extraction instrument that uses pre-programmed extraction protocol cards and single-use reagent cartridges. The San Diego Police Department Crime Laboratory developed extraction procedures that utilize the BioRobot EZ1; its effectiveness was evaluated on a variety of evidence sample types including blood, saliva, and semen evidence. Results indicated that the DNA samples obtained with the BioRobot EZ1 were comparable to those obtained from organic extraction. Moreover, the BioRobot EZ1 effectively removed PCR inhibitors from the DNA extractions and streamlined the DNA analysis process for the San Diego Police Department Crime Laboratory by reducing the need for phenol-chloroform extractions. Figures, tables, references