Thermo, NewLab Sign Forensic Sample Processing Distribution Agreement

Thermo Fisher Scientific has signed an agreement with NewLab Engineering, a subsidiary of COPAN Italia, for the exclusive global rights to distribute Card Processing Automation (CPA) technology, which is designed to prepare DNA samples for human identification in forensic, paternity and research laboratories.

The CPA300™ offers labs a fully automated, walk-away system that integrates sample card punching, liquid handling and 96 well plate sealing for forensic, paternity and research applications. For lower-throughput labs, the CPA200™ provides a reliable, semi-automated card punch solution that works with off-the-shelf and custom sample cards or other paper-based collection devices.

In 2012, Life Technologies, now part of Thermo Fisher, secured an exclusive global distribution agreement with COPAN Italia for the NUCLEIC-CARD™ DNA Collection System, a chemically treated sample collection matrix that lyses cells and preserves DNA spotted onto a paper substrate. This latest agreement enables Thermo Fisher, a leading provider of human identification systems, to offer an integrated, end-to-end solution designed to improve results and efficiency for forensic laboratories worldwide performing DNA databasing.

The increasing volume of forensic and paternity samples generated by law enforcement agencies and human identification labs is driving the need for faster and automated processing technologies. While the NUCLEIC-CARD™ system enables efficient collection, preservation and long-term storage of DNA from blood and buccal reference samples, the CPA300™ and CPA200™ instruments provide solutions to then process the cards with direct PCR amplification using the Applied Biosystems STR kits.

“Our distribution agreement for the Card Processing Automation technology is designed to strengthen our customers’ ability to do their important work within the most streamlined workflow possible,” said Nadia Altomare, vice president and general manager, Human Identification, for Thermo Fisher Scientific. “The CPA300™ and CPA200™ instruments, combined with the NUCLEIC-CARD™ system, means sample preparation can now be more efficient, which enable seamless integration with our downstream forensic sample analysis solutions.”