Reno, Nevada — 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.

Sorenson Forensics is a leading provider of advanced forensic DNA services and offers industry-best casework assistance to federal, state and local crime laboratories, assists officers of the court in individual criminal cases, and offers comprehensive forensic DNA services to private industry clients. Founded in 2006, Sorenson Forensics has already established an extraordinary record for helping to crack difficult-to-resolve cases, including previously unsolved “cold cases.” For more information, visit: http://www.sorensonforensics.com.

Hamilton is a leading worldwide supplier of precision liquid handling equipment, laboratory automation and storage systems, serving customers in academic and private research laboratories, pharmaceutical and clinical diagnostic companies and governmental institutions. Hamilton maintains headquarters in Reno, Nevada and Bonaduz, Switzerland, both of which house R&D and production facilities. Hamilton has subsidiaries for direct sales and service in many countries and works with a wide distributor network in other regions. Hamilton is a privately held company. For more information, visit http://www.hamiltonrobotics.com.

# # #

Enc. Photo

Link to this release at: http://www.hamiltonrobotics.com/top/details/news/15/new-microlab.html

Please send reader inquiries from this release directly to: Kelli Cavallaro, Hamilton Robotics, [email protected]