Patent ID: 8562918

Claim:
A system configured to perform a method comprising: extracting DNA from a sample; isolating the extracted DNA; amplifying a plurality of short tandem repeat (STR) markers of the isolated DNA; separating a plurality of amplified STR markers by electrophoresis; detecting a plurality of separated STR markers; and performing computer analysis of a plurality of detected STR markers to produce a computer file identifying a plurality of detected STR markers; wherein the method is performed in less than 4 hours; and wherein the system comprises: a) a sample preparation module adapted to extract DNA from a sample in a non-microfluidic volume, to isolate the extracted DNA by capture of the extracted DNA to particles, and to move the particles comprising isolated DNA through a first microfluidic channel; b) a reaction module comprising a reaction chamber in fluidic communication with the first microfluidic channel and adapted to immobilize the particles comprising isolated DNA and to perform an amplification reaction on the isolated DNA to produce a reaction product; c) a separation and detection module in fluidic communication with the reaction chamber and adapted to separate the reaction product by electrophoresis and to detect the separated reaction product; and d) a data analysis module adapted to receive data on the separation and detection of the reaction product from the separation and detection module and comprising computer-executable code that transforms the data and produces a computer file identifying the separated and detected reaction product; wherein the sample preparation module and the reaction module are integrated in a disposable cartridge comprising: i) at least one set of fluidic chambers comprising a sample chamber, a capture chamber and a reaction chamber adapted for thermal cycling, wherein the chambers are in fluidic communication with each other; and ii) a reagent cartridge comprising reagents for performing an amplification reaction involving thermal cycling, wherein the reagent cartridge is configured to be carried on the disposable cartridge in a closed configuration and to be placed into fluidic communication with the at least one set of fluidic chambers.