EZ1 DNA Investigator Cards

For easy setup of protocols for forensic applications on EZ1 instruments

S_1084_5_GEN_V2

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EZ1 DNA Forensic Card

Cat. No. / ID:   9015864

Pre-programmed card for BioRobot EZ1 Forensic protocols
Accessories
EZ1 DNA Card
EZ1 Advanced DNA Card
EZ1 Cards are used in combination with EZ1 Kits on EZ1 instruments. Please refer to the specific EZ1 Kit handbook and the BioRobot EZ1 User Manual for information about product use. EZ1 Advanced Cards are used in combination with EZ1 Kits on the EZ1 Advanced. Please refer to the specific EZ1 Kit handbook and the EZ1 Advanced User Manual for information about product use. EZ1 Advanced XL Cards are used in combination with EZ1 Kits on the EZ1 Advanced XL. Please refer to the specific EZ1 Kit handbook and the EZ1 Advanced XL User Manual for information about product use.

✓ 24/7 automatic processing of online orders

✓ Knowledgeable and professional Product & Technical Support

✓ Fast and reliable (re)-ordering

Features

  • Easy protocol setup with credit-card ease of use
  • Standardized processing ensures reproducible results
  • Optimized protocols help to ensure reliable purification
  • Advanced process safety through sample tracking
  • Automated purification of genomic DNA from casework samples

Product Details

EZ1 DNA Investigator Cards are preprogrammed with protocols for purification of DNA from forensic and human-identity samples using the EZ1 DNA Investigator Kit on the EZ1 Advanced, EZ1 Advanced XL or BioRobot EZ1.

Performance

EZ1 DNA Kits when used in combination with EZ1 DNA Investigator Cards and EZ1 instruments provide rapid DNA purification from forensic samples, e.g., trace samples, cigarette butts and hair.

Easier handling of solid materials with “tip dance” protocol

In addition, EZ1 DNA Investigator Cards provide an optional, fully automated “tip dance” protocol on EZ1 instruments, where the filter-tip moves back-and-forth relative to the worktable platform while pipetting. This enables processing of solid materials, such as swabs, fabrics, blood discs or cigarette butts, directly in the sample tube. There is no need for prior centrifugation to remove solid materials that could clog the tip (see flowchart  "EZ1 DNA Investigator trace and “tip dance” protocols"). The “tip dance” protocol simplifies handling and, in some cases, increases DNA yield with more efficient extraction of the sample (see figure  "Easy and efficient processing of solid materials with the “tip dance” protocol").

Optimized protocol for larger sample volumes

A large-volume protocol enables fully automated processing of starting volumes up to 500 µl on EZ1 instruments. This not only allows efficient DNA purification from dilute samples with low concentrations of DNA, such as diffuse stains, but also enables purification from samples that require larger volumes for thorough lysis. The ability to process larger sample volumes – with the same elution volume as the standard trace protocol – enables higher yields of more concentrated DNA for greater sensitivity in downstream applications (see  "Higher yields of concentrated DNA with the large-volume protocol").

See figures

Principle

EZ1 DNA Investigator Cards specify a choice of purification protocols without any manual data entry. Additional EZ1 Cards may be purchased at any time to increase the application range of EZ1 instruments.

Procedure

Simply insert the EZ1 Card with the desired protocol into the card slot and start the EZ1 instrument.

Applications

The high-quality DNA obtained using EZ1 instruments with EZ1 DNA Investigator Cards is suited for use in many applications, including:

  • Genetic identity testing and forensics
  • Purification of DNA from trace samples, such as casework or crime-scene samples
  • Routine analysis of reference samples
  • Multiplex PCR and real-time PCR
  • Genotyping analysis, including SNP, STR or NGS technologies

Supporting data and figures

Resources

Supplementary Protocols (1)
Supplementary protocol using the EZ1 Advanced or EZ1 Advanced XL with the EZ1 DNA Investigator Kit
Validation Reports (1)
For the EZ1 DNA Investigator Kit
  • BioRobot EZ1
  • EZ1 Advanced
  • EZ1 Advanced XL
Kit Handbooks (1)
For automated purification of DNA from forensic and human ID samples using EZ1 instruments
Brochures & Guides (1)
Fully automated low- to medium-throughput purification of nucleic acids
Safety Data Sheets (1)
Certificates of Analysis (1)

FAQ

Is training of lab personnel included with the purchase of a BioRobot EZ1?

Operation of the BioRobot EZ1 is so easy that no additional training other than the initial demo is needed. Operating the instrument requires only three major steps:

  • Insert the appropriate EZ1 Protocol Card, switch on the workstation, and, if necessary, select the appropriate protocol
  • Follow the instructions on the liquid-crystal display (LCD), which describes where the sample tubes, elution tubes, filter tips, and EZ1 Reagent Cartridges must be loaded and which indicates when to start the protocol run
  • Collect purified nucleic acids when the protocol run ends

 

FAQ ID -1239
What EZ1 DNA Investigator protocol is recommended for very precious samples?
For precious samples, please use the Trace Protocol of the EZ1 DNA Investigator Card on the BioRobot EZ1.
FAQ ID -1154
When should the Normalization protocol be used?

The Normalization protocol is useful for routine, standardized analyses of reference samples, such as blood or buccal swabs, where sample-to-sample variability can result in widely varying DNA yields. The normalization protocol eliminates the need for yield quantification prior to analysis. It limits DNA yields uniformly to 150-250 ng.

However, please note that the Normalization protocol should not be used if the DNA amount in the sample is very limited. In this case, the Trace protocol on the EZ1 DNA Investigator Card should be used instead.

FAQ ID -1155
How can we get our BioRobot EZ1 upgraded when new protocols are launched?

Protocols for nucleic acid purification are supplied on pre-programmed EZ1 Protocol Cards. These protocols provide both on-screen instructions for the operator and operating commands for the workstation. The range of kits and protocols for the EZ1 is continuously expanding to allow nucleic acid purification from a wide range of sample types. Please browse our Supplementary Protocol Section to find specialized EZ1 protocols for a large variety of clinical sample types, in addition to the standard sample types covered in our EZ1 handbooks.

 

FAQ ID -1241
Where can I find information about the worktable setup on the BioRobot EZ1?

Loading of sample tubes, elution tubes, filter-tips, and Reagent Cartridges onto the worktable of the BioRobot EZ1 is intuitive, easy and quick. Details about worktable setup are provided with each new protocol, and are also displayed in the liquid-crystal display (LCD) of the control panel when you start setup of the worktable.

 

FAQ ID -1243
Can the EZ1 DNA Investigator Tip Dance protocol cope with any solid matrix remaining in the sample tube?
Yes, the Tip Dance protocol of the EZ1 DNA Investigator Card can cope with solid matrix that remains in the sample tube. However, very fluffy/diffuse materials (e.g. paper tissues) can clog the tips.
FAQ ID -1153
Can the EZ1 DNA Forensic Card be used with the EZ1 DNA Investigator Kit?
No, the EZ1 DNA Forensic Card cannot be used with the EZ1 DNA Investigator Kit.
FAQ ID -1151
How to store DNA from forensic samples eluted into water on the EZ1 biorobot in TE buffer instead?

For storage of DNA purified from forensic samples using the EZ1 DNA Tissue Kit in a buffered solution such as TE rather than water (used for elution in the EZ1 forensic protocols) we suggest the following:

Before storing the DNA, add 1/10 volume of 10x Forensic TE buffer (100 mM Tris·Cl, 1 mM EDTA, pH 8.3) to each sample. For example, add 5 µl of 10x Forensic TE buffer if you eluted in 50 µl. The DNA is ready to use, or can be stored at 2–8°C for 24 h, or at –20°C for longer periods.

FAQ ID -734
Do the foils sealing the EZ1 Reagent Cartridges have to be manually removed prior to loading the robot?

No, prefilled Reagent Cartridges can be loaded onto the BioRobot EZ1 with their seals. During operation of the instrument, the piercing unit, a row of 6 metal spikes located behind the tip adapters, will puncture the foil of the cartridges, thereby exposing the reagents.

 

FAQ ID -1240
How do I safely inactivate biohazardous flow-through material?

Always dispose of potentially biohazardous solutions according to your institution’s waste-disposal guidelines. Although the lysis and binding buffers in QIAamp, DNeasy, and RNeasy kits contain chaotropic agents that can inactivate some biohazardous material, local regulations dictate the proper way to dispose of biohazards. DO NOT add bleach or acidic solutions directly to the sample-preparation waste. Guanidine hydrochloride in the sample-preparation waste can form highly reactive compounds when combined with bleach.
Please access our Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) online for detailed information on the reagents for each respective kit.

FAQ ID -12
What disposables are required for nucleic acid isolations on the BioRobot EZ1?

No extra accessories need to be purchased for the BioRobot EZ1, as sample and elution tubes, as well as tips and tip holders are included with each EZ1 DNA or RNA isolation kit.

 

FAQ ID -1246