Automation of a Differential Digestion Protocol for Processing Sexual Assault Kits Using the VERSA Automated Liquid Handling Workstation

Separation of sperm cell DNA from epithelial cell DNA in processing sexual assault kits remains a time consuming, manual task contributing to the backlog of evidence processing. Rapid and accurate sample processing is of high importance to ensure DNA evidence is presented properly for potential conviction. In this application note, an automated differential digestion protocol was developed and adapted for use on the VERSA 1100 automated liquid handling workstation. The automated protocol gave DNA yields of similar concentration to the conventional manual protocol resulting in similar short tandem repeat (STR) typing profiles.