Analysis of the suitability of the iPrep DNA purification instrument for routine forensic applications

This study sought to analyze the potential utility of the automated iPrep DNA purification instrument in routine forensic applications by subjecting this robotic DNA extraction method to a rigorous comparison study using common biological samples and simulated forensic evidence. Because the Chelex-based DNA preparation protocol is the most commonly used method for routine nonchallenging biological samples, we used this method as the basis of our comparison. In so doing, we found that the iPrep instrument reliably produced high-quality DNA samples from a broad array of biological inputs, while significantly saving time and reducing technician sample handling.