Application
STR Profiling
Let’s start with the basics. What are Short Tandem Repeats (STRs), and why are they so useful for forensic labs? STR profiling is a highly effective and widely used method in forensic science for identifying individuals based on their unique genetic makeup. STRs are short sequences of DNA, typically 2 to 6 base pairs long, that are repeated at specific loci (locations) in the genome. The number of these repeats can vary significantly among individuals, making STRs an excellent tool for distinguishing between different DNA samples.
Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Techniques
STR profiling involves DNA extraction, Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of STR regions, and Capillary Electrophoresis (CE). It’s a powerful method for generating reliable DNA profiles in forensic analysis. Labs around the world use it every day to support criminal investigations, paternity testing, and identify victims in mass disasters, providing answers when they matter most.
How Hamilton Supports Your STR Profiling Workflow
Hamilton helps streamline pre-analytics and genomic workflows with a range of standardized automated liquid-handling solutions, including sample lysis, sample punching from dried specimen sample cards, DNA extraction, quantification and normalization, and PCR setup.
Moreover, we offer two dedicated solutions for forensic laboratories, developed in collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific:
- The ID NIMBUS Presto supports DNA extraction using PrepFiler™ and PrepFiler™ BTA Automated Forensic DNA Extraction Kits.
- The ID STARlet Complete enables DNA extraction, normalization, and quantification using PrepFiler®, Quantifiler®, Quantifiler® Duo, and AmpFLSTR® Identifiler kits.
Most of the steps involved in STR profiling can also be automated using any of Hamilton open platforms, offering flexibility for a range of lab needs.
For laboratories conducting manual workflows, Hamilton portfolio includes fixed and adjustable-volume manual pipettes, helping ensure accurate and efficient liquid handling at every scale.
Explore our STR Profiling Solutions and Applications in Detail
Choose an outcome below to see personalized product recommendations.
The Hamilton Microlab Prep is an affordable liquid handler perfect for automating workflows. This entry-level liquid handler supports automated PCR setup and serial dilution.
The Hamilton Microlab STAR is a reliable and versatile automated liquid handling platform. With advanced features like multi-probe heads, pipetting technologies, and VENUS software, this premier liquid handling system fits your laboratory needs. Revolutionize your workflows with the STAR today!
Hamilton STAR V, a cutting-edge liquid handling robot, unites Microlab STAR flexibility with Microlab VANTAGE high-performance capabilities to boost efficiency. The Microlab STAR V offers speed, precision, and technology for automated liquid handling. Upgrade your lab—explore the Microlab STAR V!
Hamilton VANTAGE 2.0 is a cutting-edge liquid handling system with automated precision. Optimize workflows with the VANTAGE robot, all while boosting performance, safeguarding samples, and maximizing walk-away time. Discover the Hamilton VANTAGE liquid handler for your current & future needs.
Ambient, +4°C, -20°C Sample Storage
Verso Q-Series
Verso Q-Series automated freezer storage systems allow you to spend less time managing your samples. Verso Q20, Verso Q50, and Verso Q75 automated ambient to minus 20°C freezers feature large storage capacities in extremely compact footprints.
Ambient, +4°C, -20°C Sample Storage
Verso
Hamilton Verso is a modular compound management system for automated storage at temperatures from ambient to minus 20°C for high-throughput applications. This compound and sample storage system can easily be configured to meet your needs.
-80°C Sample Storage
SAM HD Pro
The SAM HD Pro lab freezer is your solution for high-density storage with a small footprint. This compact lab freezer is capable of ultra-low temperatures down to minus 80°C to ensure sample integrity. The SAM HD Pro sample freezer makes automated storage quick and easy.
-80°C Sample Storage
BiOS
BiOS is Hamilton’s premier minus 80°C freezer for medium- and large-capacity storage. This ultra-low temperature freezer maintains the integrity of your biological sample storage throughout automation. With customizable size and capacity, this minus 80°C freezer can be scaled to fit your storage needs.
Capping & Decapping
LabElite DeCapper
The LabElite DeCapper by Hamilton automates tube capping and decapping, improving efficiency and sample integrity.
Capping & Decapping
LabElite Handheld DeCapper
The LabElite Handheld DeCapper is a semi-automated device designed for efficient capping and decapping of tubes in 48- and 96-format racks.
Barcode Reading
LabElite I.D. Reader
The LabElite I.D. Reader by Hamilton automates barcode scanning for 2D-labeled tubes.
Capping & Decapping
LabElite I.D. Capper
The LabElite I.D. Capper from Hamilton combines automated tube capping/decapping with high-speed barcode reading in one device.
Capping & Decapping
LabElite DeCapper SL
The LabElite DeCapper SL by Hamilton automates tube capping and decapping for 24-, 48-, and 96-format racks.
Lab Syringes
Microliter Syringes
Hamilton Microliter syringes are ideal for dispensing homogeneous liquid samples not prone to glass bonding or precipitation. With a hand-fitted stainless steel plunger for frictionless movement and minimal wear, these syringes are designed to last.
Gastight Syringes
1700 Series Gastight Syringes
The 1700 series syringes are the gas tight version of the original 700 series syringes. This series of gas tight syringes is ideal for dispensing volumes from 1 μL up to 500 μL. A variety of different terminations and needle options are available in this series.
Good to Know About STR Profiling Processes
This section provides a selection of additional resources related to the application described on this page. It includes helpful articles, videos, and blogs that offer deeper insights into the topic.
1. Useful Links:
External resources not written by Hamilton but valuable for understanding the topic, such as industry guidelines, explanatory videos, or relevant tools.
| Queensland Forensic Services. (2022). Quantification of extracted DNA using the Quantifiler® Trio DNA quantification kit. Document Number 34045V7. | Read Document |
2. Scientific Articles:
Peer-reviewed journal publications that feature Hamilton products, demonstrating their use in real-world research and applications.
| Forensic Molecular Genetics Laboratory. (2021). Backlog processing of traces of sexual crimes in the State of Paraná. International Journal of Human Sciences Research, 2(27). | Read Article |
| Sanqoor, A. N., Altamimi, F., Aljanahi, N., & AlGhanim, H. J., et al. (2023). Comparative study of two semi-automated forensic DNA extraction methods: Automate Express™ & Hamilton Microlab STAR™ System. Arab Journal of Forensic Sciences and Forensic Medicine, 5(2), 180–190. | Read Article |
| Basset, P., Blandin, P., Grini, A., Delemont, S., Samie, L., & Castella, V. (2022). A simplified protocol for the detection of blood, saliva, and semen from a single biological trace using immunochromatographic tests. Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology, 18(2), 193–202. | Read Article |
Solutions for the top 3 Challenges for Drug Discovery Workflows
Challenge: Keeping samples traceable in high-throughput forensic workflows.
The vast majority of forensic laboratories must process large numbers of DNA samples from tissue, blood, and cells. To streamline operations efficiently and cost-effectively, robust and reliable sample identification and tracking methods are essential.
Solution: Hamilton liquid handlers integrate barcoding technology and user-friendly software that tracks all on-deck movements, synchronizes with third-party devices and LIMS, and ensures full traceability throughout the STR workflow. By minimizing manual interventions and enforcing contamination control, Hamilton systems safeguard sample integrity and identity, which are critical in forensic contexts where misidentification, contamination, or degradation can jeopardize legal outcomes.
Challenge: Ensuring pipetting accuracy for STR data quality.
Solution: Hamilton Liquid Handlers feature precision liquid handling technologies such as CO-RE® pipetting, liquid level detection (LLD), and anti-droplet control (ADC). These tools ensure accurate and reproducible pipetting, even at low volumes typical of PCR reactions.
This consistency is crucial for STR profiling, where amplification uniformity directly affects allele detection and overall data reliability. Automated workflows also reduce pipetting variability between users, standardizing results across runs and operators.
Challenge: Automating high-throughput STR profiling with flexibility.
Solution: Hamilton platforms are designed for scalability and protocol flexibility, making them ideal for high-throughput STR applications. Laboratories can automate the entire workflow, from DNA quantification and normalization to PCR setup and purification, on a single platform.
The system’s modular design and customizable software enable quick adaptation to various STR kits and throughput demands. Meanwhile, optional integrations (e.g., magnetic bead-based cleanups, thermal cyclers) further enhance end-to-end process efficiency without compromising data quality.
What Are the Steps Involved in STR Profiling?
STR profiling plays a critical role in forensic DNA analysis. Here’s how each step works, and why it matters.
DNA is extracted from biological samples such as blood, saliva, semen, or hair follicles. This step ensures that the DNA is pure and free from contaminants.
The extracted DNA is quantified to determine the amount present in the sample. This step ensures that there is sufficient DNA for reliable analysis and helps optimize the subsequent PCR amplification process.
The DNA samples are normalized to ensure that each sample has a consistent concentration of DNA. This step is crucial for achieving uniform amplification during PCR and accurate comparison of results.
PCR is used to amplify the STR regions of the DNA. This process generates millions of copies of the specific STR loci, making them easier to detect and analyze.
The amplified STR fragments are separated by size using capillary electrophoresis. This technique allows for precise measurement of the length of the STRs, which corresponds to the number of repeats.
The resulting DNA profile, which consists of the lengths of the STRs at multiple loci, is compared to known profiles in databases or other evidence samples. This comparison can identify matches or exclusions, helping to link a suspect to a crime scene or exclude innocent individuals.
Other STR Profiling Resources
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
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