Rapid, Ruggedized, and Fully Integrated STR Typing for Kinship Analysis

The availability of a ruggedized, fully integrated STR typing instrument that combines DNA purification, amplification, separation and detection, and data analysis into a single, easy-to-operate system would represent a substantial advance in human identification. The purpose of the Phase I SBIR proposal is to plan the development of a device that enables the rapid determination of kinship of persons seeking to immigrate and of children being adopted overseas. The major tasks are: To conduct a DHS needs and requirements assessment for a fully integrated STR DNA typing instrument for the immigration application. Requirements to be defined will include throughput, cost, site and data security requirements, and user qualifications. To establish specific performance metrics for the device. Metrics will include: time to answer, sensitivity, and resolution and precision of the STR profiles. To study candidate enabling technologies and risks. Required performance metrics, technology readiness level, ability to integrate the modules, manufacturability, cost, and likelihood of system completion within the next two years will be evaluated. To define a viable technology architecture for the proposed device. This work will define technology architecture elements currently in place and areas requiring customization to address DHS needs and requirements.