- Course Introduction
- 01: Evidence & DNA
- 02: Forensic Biology
- 03: DNA Extraction & Quantitation
- 04: DNA Amplification
- 05: Amplified DNA Product Separation
- 06: STR Data Analysis & Interpretation
- 07: Population Genetics & Statistics
- 08: Communicating Results
- 09: Other DNA Markers & Technologies
- Course Resources
- Laboratory Training Manual
President's DNA Initiative
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Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology
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Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology
DNA Analyst Training
Miniature Thermal Cyclers
Home > Other DNA Markers & Technologies > Techniques > Miniaturization Techniques > Miniature Thermal Cyclers
As with other miniaturized technology, the miniature thermal cycler has received different levels of acceptance in the forensic science community. The community is very interested in the application of miniaturization technology in a laboratory environment. Due to the issues related to adherence to the Quality Assurance Standards (QAS), there is reluctance to using a portable device at a crime scene.
Click here to read more about the Quality Assurance Standards in the QAS Module.
One team has developed a miniature thermal cycling instrument that uses microfabricated silicon-based reaction chambers.12 The miniaturized, computer-controlled handheld polymerse chain reaction (PCR) device operates on four 9-volt batteries with a processing time of 45 minutes to 2.5 hours. This handheld device has been demonstrated to exhibit thermal uniformity and temperature precision of the reaction chambers and thorough mixing and disbursement of the reagents. It has been shown that this low power model is capable of amplifying human multiplex STRs.13, 14
