Hamilton and Sorenson Forensics Collaborate on Validated Systems for Forensic DNA Applications

Hamilton Robotics and Sorenson Forensics have announced a collaboration to provide validated automation systems for DNA analysis in casework and databasing applications. Together, the two companies offer crime and government labs automated methods with a streamlined validation process for DNA extraction, normalization, PCR setup, amplification and cleanup. The pipetting performance and novel monitoring/audit trail features of Hamilton's STAR liquid handling platform combined with Sorenson Forensics' expertise in method validation provide an ideal solution for the forensic lab.

Hamilton's MICROLAB® STAR automated pipetting workstation features unique air displacement pipetting technology for unmatched accuracy and precision, along with a proprietary Total Aspiration and Dispense Monitoring (TADM) capability that monitors the air pressure in each pipetting channel in real time to verify that a sample has been successfully transferred. This provides a fully traceable audit trail and the documentation to support casework challenges.

Sorenson Forensics' team of DNA analysts has validated third-party chemistry kits and methods on the Hamilton MICROLAB STAR platform, documenting new ones as they are introduced. The Sorenson facility is ASCLD-ISO accredited and compliant with SWGDAM validation criteria and FBI QA Standards. Because the kits have already been independently validated, forensic lab customers can be confident that their own validation processes will go smoothly.

"Our TADM documentation delivers significant benefits to the forensic technicians who are increasingly being asked to testify in court about the validity of their work," commented Rick Luedke, product manager for Hamilton Robotics. "Our partnership with Sorenson allows us to deliver fully supported methods for a majority of the leading forensic DNA applications."

"Our validation team fully understands the specific requirements of DNA method validation and case submission," explained Tim Kupferschmid, executive director of Sorenson Forensics. "We chose the Hamilton MICROLAB STAR as our platform of choice due to their proprietary TADM technology and excellent reputation for strong applications and service support.