Anna Bennett, Science Writer @ Promega
Short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping is a leading method for DNA analysis. STR profiling is usually performed through a method known as capillary electrophoresis, wherein fluorescently-labeled DNA fragments are passed through thin polymer-filled capillaries for detection. Promega offers CE instruments for a number of applications including, but not limited to, STR analysis. These instruments— the Spectrum CE and the Spectrum Compact CE Systems—were designed with an emphasis on throughput, usability and efficiency.
Both members of the Spectrum family offer efficient STR analysis and were built with input from scientists all over the globe. These instruments help researchers tackle the day-to-day challenges encountered in the lab, including large sample volumes, degraded, ancient or mixed DNA samples and incomplete datasets.
In general, Spectrum instruments provide analyses suited to your throughput needs and multiple STR dyes per run, resulting in fast and flexible results for the user. The Spectrum CE is specialized for fragment analysis and features four continuously accessible 96-well plate positions, eliminating the need for batch processing and reducing run times. The Spectrum CE can also analyze partial plates, placing the sample input ranges at 1 to 384 samples. The Spectrum CE System supports next generation 8-dye technology, but is compatible with existing 5- and 6-color kits that scientists may already have stocked and validated in the lab. Labs may continue to use their preferred chemistries and still take advantage of the increased throughput and flexibility offered through the Spectrum CE System.
Additionally, the Spectrum CE System was designed to provide simplified setup and operation. Related consumables, such as prefilled buffer and polymer, are offered in convenient, ready-to-use packaging and are managed via a 2D barcode system. Spectrum uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to track key consumables with minimal “hard stops” limited to situations where there is a risk of instrument damage, reducing troubleshooting and repair time for the user.
The Spectrum Compact CE, true to its name, is a small, low-throughput benchtop system that combines Sanger sequencing and fragment analysis capabilities into one powerful yet affordable instrument. Like the Spectrum CE, the Spectrum Compact CE can run fragment analysis with existing Promega 5- and 6-color kits for forensic analysis. In addition, the Spectrum Compact CE can perform Sanger Sequencing (compatible with the ProDye™ Terminator Sequencing System) for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) confirmation, de novo sequencing, mutation detection, mitochondrial DNA sequencing and more.
When it comes time to analyze your data, both Spectrum CE devices generate files compatible with GeneMarker®HID Software (GMHID-Spectrum). GMHID-Spectrum supports data analysis with all commercially available human identity kits. A range of reporting options are available for your laboratory information management systems and publication needs. For Sanger sequencing generation via Spectrum Compact CE, Promega offers ProViewTM Sequencing Software, a customizable Sanger sequencing viewer capable of displaying .ab1 files generated on many currently available CE sequencers. Unparalleled customer support is available from on-site installation to validation services for both Spectrum CE instruments.
The Spectrum CE instruments improve efficiency and accuracy in the lab and fit effortlessly into your already established forensic analysis workflows. For a direct comparison of the two different Spectrum instruments that Promega offers, please see the Spectrum Family product page.
