Thermo Fisher Scientific to distribute Newlab forensic sample processing technology

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.

Under the agreement, Thermo Fisher is the sole distributor and servicing agent of the CPA300 and CPA200 card processing instruments. The CPA300 offers labs a fully automated, walk-away system that integrates sample card punching, liquid handling and 96-well plate sealing. For lower-throughput labs, the CPA200 provides a 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. The latest agreement thus enables Thermo Fisher to offer an integrated, end-to-end solution for forensic laboratories performing DNA databasing. While the Nucleic-Card system enables efficient collection, preservation and long-term storage of DNA from blood and buccal reference samples, the CPA instruments help to process the cards with direct PCR amplification using 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.”