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Thermo Fisher Scientific Signs Exclusive Global Distribution Agreement with NewLab Engineering for Forensic Sample Processing Technology

Thermo Fisher Scientific
3 Aug 2014
Sarah Thomas
Associate Editor

Industry news

Thermo Fisher Scientific has signed an agreement with NewLab Engineering, a subsidiary of COPAN Italia, for the exclusive global rights to distribute Card Processing Automation (CPA) technology, which is designed to prepare DNA samples for human identification in forensic, paternity and research laboratories.

Under the agreement, Thermo Fisher is the sole distributor and servicing agent of the CPA300™ and CPA200™ card processing instruments. The CPA300™ offers labs a fully automated, walk-away system that integrates sample card punching, liquid handling and 96 well plate sealing for forensic, paternity and research applications. For lower-throughput labs, the CPA200™ provides a reliable, semi-automated card punch solution that works with off-the-shelf and custom sample cards or other paper-based collection devices.

In 2012, Life Technologies, now part of Thermo Fisher, secured an exclusive global distribution agreement with COPAN Italia for the NUCLEIC-CARD™ DNA Collection System, a chemically treated sample collection matrix that lyses cells and preserves DNA spotted onto a paper substrate. This latest agreement enables Thermo Fisher, a leading provider of human identification systems, to offer an integrated, end-to-end solution designed to improve results and efficiency for forensic laboratories worldwide performing DNA databasing.

The increasing volume of forensic and paternity samples generated by law enforcement agencies and human identification labs is driving the need for faster and automated processing technologies. While the NUCLEIC-CARD™ system enables efficient collection, preservation and long-term storage of DNA from blood and buccal reference samples, the CPA300™ and CPA200™ instruments provide solutions to then process the cards with direct PCR amplification using the Applied Biosystems STR kits.

“Our distribution agreement for the Card Processing Automation technology is designed to strengthen our customers’ ability to do their important work within the most streamlined workflow possible,” said Nadia Altomare, vice president and general manager, Human Identification, for Thermo Fisher Scientific. “The CPA300™ and CPA200™ instruments, combined with the NUCLEIC-CARD™ system, means sample preparation can now be more efficient, which enable seamless integration with our downstream forensic sample analysis solutions.”

Image Caption: The CPA300 offers labs a fully automated, walk-away system that integrates sample card punching, liquid handling and 96 well plate sealing for forensic, paternity and research applications. (Photo credited to Business Wire)

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DNA / RNA Extraction and PurificationPurified DNA and RNA are required for numerous downstream molecular biology applications. Consequently, the importance of high-quality DNA/RNA extraction and purification equipment cannot be underestimated. Many purification kits are available and are typically optimized for nucleic acid type and source, including plasmid DNA, genomic DNA, mRNA, RNA and viral nucleic acid purification kits. Automated extraction and purification of nucleic acids can be implemented with magnetic bead separator instruments or high-throughput purification workstations. Find the best DNA/RNA extraction and purification equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.DNA SequencingDNA sequencing, such as sanger sequencing, is a biological technique that determines the precise order of nucleotide bases in a fragment or template of DNA. DNA sequencers and genetic analyzers are based on capillary electrophoresis, where labeled DNA fragments are electrophoretically separated by size as they migrate through a polymer. Find the best DNA sequencing products, including DNA sequencing kits, genomic libraries and genetic identity kits in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Automated Liquid HandlingAutomated liquid handling equipment is used to mix, dilute and dispense allotted volumes of liquid into microplates and other vessels automatically. The robotic, liquid handling arms can dispense from single channel to 3456 multichannel as well as operate nanoliter dispensing, enabling high throughput of samples. Find the best automated liquid handlers in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.AutomationAutomation in laboratories and manufacturing processes enhances efficiency, precision, and scalability by reducing the need for manual intervention. It plays a critical role in improving productivity, minimizing human error, and accelerating workflows in fields like diagnostics, drug development, and industrial testing. Automation technologies include robotic systems, automated liquid handlers, and process control systems that streamline complex tasks and ensure consistent, reproducible results. Explore our peer-reviewed product directory to discover the best automation solutions, compare options, read user reviews, and get prices directly from manufacturers.Forensic InvestigationForensic investigation is a diverse collection of scientific techniques and methods for the identification and characterization of chemicals relating to crime scene investigations.

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Thermo Fisher Scientific Signs Exclusive Global Distribution Agreement with NewLab Engineering for Forensic Sample Processing Technology