Efficient DNA database laboratory strategy for high through-put STR typingof reference samples

DNA intelligence databases were installed successfully in various countries during the past few years. It is a general trend that laboratories perform ing STR analysis for DNA databases have to adjust to increased sample throu gh-put, especially when dealing with a high number of reference samples. In contrast to routine forensic casework analysis, where samples of suspects and unknown samples are interpreted with regard to the specific circumstanc es of the case and are kept distinctly apart from other cases. DNA database s consist of single, primarily unlinked DNA profiles, Problems areas associ ated with the high number of anonymous DNA profiles are the risk of logisti c errors, such as sample mix-up during the laboratory procedure, and the ri sk of typing errors during manual transcription of data and/or results. Thu s, DNA databases clearly require new laboratory strategies to rise to the c hallenge. This paper presents an efficient automated laboratory strategy on the platf orm of a laboratory management information system (LIMS) with the Austrian DNA Intelligence Database as example. Two goals were tackled in particular: first, data safety by avoiding both manual interaction during critical lab oratory steps (i.e. when DNA is transferred form one tube into another), an d errors due to manual transcription of sample information and results. Sec ondly, efficient sample processing by automizing the laboratory procedure w ith the help of robotic instruments, thus. giving the DNA staff more time t o analyze data. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.