Adoption of automated DNA processing for high volume DNA casework: A combined approach using magnetic beads and real-time PCR

In February 2004, an initiative was created between the RCMP Evidence Recovery and Biology Services and the National DNA Data Bank (NDDB) to increase the number of profiles contained in the crime scene index of the data bank in order to enhance the number of matches made with serious unsolved crimes. The magnetic bead extraction technology from Promega (DNA IQ™) was extensively modified to optimize DNA recovery from highly challenged soiled samples using TECAN robotic workstations. The DNA yields obtained using the magnetic bead-based approach were equivalent to conventional processes and 3–4 fold higher for samples compromised with soil, based on the Quantifiler™ Human Quantification Assay developed by Applied Biosystems. A full batch of 84 samples plus controls (96 in total) can be extracted in 2 h and 15 min following an overnight cell lysis, quantified in 2 h and 15 min (30 min for real-time PCR set up on the robot and 1 h 46 min for amplification and detection in the ABI Prism® 7000 instrument) and set up for STR amplification in 1 h using the output file from the ABI Prism® 7000 instrument. The original Sample Tracking and Control System (STaCS™) created for the National DNA Data Bank of Canada was amended to accept “break and enter (B&E)” type samples.