Project
Leader: Chris Mattocks
Automating
DNA extraction has the potential to improve many aspects of
the laboratory process. Automated extractions should be more
consistent / reproducible, the possibility of cross-contamination
should be reduced and the systems are amenable to bar-coded
sample tracking. A number of automated DNA extraction protocols
were evaluated for their suitability in a diagnostic setting.
These fall into two main categories:
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- Chemistries
suitable for automation, together with a suitable liquid
handling platform from a different manufacturer
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Key
considerations for the evaluations were :
- Ease
of use
- DNA Yield
- DNA Purity
- Suitability
of DNA for down stream tests
- Integrated
sample tracking (Bar coding)
- Blood volume
capacity
- Cross contamination
- Sample
handling requirements
- Hands on
time
- Extraction
time
- Cost – capital and revenue
DNA extraction
survey
In order to focus the evaluations at the specific needs of
the diagnostic community
we carried out a survey to gauge opinions on this complex
area
in CMGS labs.
A questionnaire
was circulated
to all CMGS labs in March
2004 and there were 17 responses. These
responses have been summarised
and the report is now available for download below.
DNA extraction survey (report download)
Evaluation
report – “Automated DNA
Extraction Methodologies” (download)
View evaluation list
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