title: Validation of a DNA IQ-based extraction method for TECAN robotic liquid handling workstations for processing casework.
abstract: A semi-automated DNA extraction process for casework samples based on the Promega DNA IQ™ system was optimized and validated on TECAN Genesis 150/8 and Freedom EVO robotic liquid handling stations configured with fixed tips and a TECAN TE-Shake™ unit. The use of an orbital shaker during the extraction process promoted efficiency with respect to DNA capture, magnetic bead/DNA complex washes and DNA elution. Validation studies determined the reliability and limitations of this shaker-based process. Reproducibility with regards to DNA yields for the tested robotic workstations proved to be excellent and not significantly different than that offered by the manual phenol/chloroform extraction. DNA extraction of animal:human blood mixtures contaminated with soil demonstrated that a human profile was detectable even in the presence of abundant animal blood. For exhibits containing small amounts of biological material, concordance studies confirmed that DNA yields for this shaker-based extraction process are equivalent or greater to those observed with phenol/chloroform extraction as well as our original validated automated magnetic bead percolation-based extraction process. Our data further supports the increasing use of robotics for the processing of casework samples.
authors.affiliation: Royal Canadian Mounted Police, National Services and Research, 1200 Vanier Parkway, Ottawa, Ontario K1G3M8, Canada. chantal.fregeau@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
authors.forename: Chantal J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Frégeau
authors.forename: C Marc
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Lett
authors.forename: Ron M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Fourney
mesh_terms: D001331:Automation; D004247:DNA / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012371:Robotics
chemical_list: D004247:DNA