LabAutomation 2006 - SLAS

MP67
Alexander Roth
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, Maryland
alexander-roth@gmx.net
LabAutomation2006
Automated Generation of AnIML Documents by Analytical Instruments
The Analytical Information Markup Language AnIML is an upcoming ASTM standard for the documentation of analytical data and workflows
with all accompanying experiment meta information. Adopting this standard to existing instruments today needs several manual
interventions. The goal of this project is to automate as many steps as possible to generate the AnIML document with all its essential
information directly at the analytical instrument. Software with such functionality even could be integrated into instruments or hooked as
firmware boxes to instruments. This would allow a smooth transition to the new standard even in complex existing environments. A set of
pre-requisites have to be fulfilled before the feasibility has been proven.
The prototype application we developed integrates the generic description of an instrument using the OMG LECIS Device Capability
Dataset. Commands and the device’s data stream with its semantics will be found there. The experiments’ meta data will be delivered
by the test order. In both cases XML schemata represent also the information syntax. With all this information we developed a generic
interface mapping the result stream semantically and transforming it to an AnIML document without manual intervention. Unfortunately due
to our restricted time schedule we cannot yet support the full functionality of both the OMG LECIS and the AnIML standard. But we are in
the process to add the missing features.
MP68
Diane Seguin
Lsjml (Quebec Forensic Lab)
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
diane.seguin@msp.gouv.qc.ca
Co-Author(s)
Annie Trépanier
Alphonse Ligondé
LSJML (Québec forensic lab)
Automation of QPCR and PCR Methods for Forensic Casework Samples on the
TECAN Freedom Evo ®
In the last decade, PCR analysis of STR loci for human identification in forensics has led to tremendous improvement in resolution of
criminal cases. Automated systems are already in use to feed convicted offender databanks in various countries. Concerns are different
in processing crime scene samples: variability of sample types (blood, semen, hair, cells, etc.), prevention of contamination, etc. However,
creation of national DNA databanks has led to dramatic increase in crime scene samples submitted to forensic laboratories. Consequently,
it has become obvious that automation is needed to face this increase.
In our laboratory, we are currently validating automation of crime scene sample processing that includes DNA extraction and PCR analysis.
Here, we present automated QPCR and PCR methods on a Freedom EVO ® workstation from TECAN. This two-meter workstation is
equipped with an extended deck, a liquid handler arm (LiHa) with eight fixed tips, a robotic arm (ROMA), as well as integrated apparatus
such as a plate sealer, a micro plate centrifuge, and barcode readers. DNA samples are stored in individual tubes equipped with a septa
plug and a unique 2D barcode embedded under the tube. Automation of PCR plate assembly for DNA quantification and amplification is
integrated with our in house LIMS (www.DNAProFiles.ca) which generates worklists used by the TECAN Gemini software.
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