EZ1&2 DNA Investigator Kit

For automated purification of DNA from forensic and HID samples on the EZ2 Connect Fx or EZ1 instruments

S_1084_5_GEN_V2

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EZ1&2 DNA Investigator Kit (48)

Cat. No. / ID:  952034

For 48 preps: Reagent Cartridges (DNA Investigator), Disposable Filter-Tips, Disposa-ble Tip-Holders, Sample Tubes (2 ml), Elution Tubes (1.5 ml), Buffer G2, Proteinase K, Carrier RNA
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KitProduct
EZ1&2 DNA Investigator Kit
7 mL Large-Volume Tubes (48)
The EZ1&2 DNA Investigator Kit is intended for molecular biology applications in forensic, human identity, and paternity testing. This product is not intended for diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of a disease.

✓ 24/7 automatic processing of online orders

✓ Knowledgeable and professional Product & Technical Support

✓ Fast and reliable (re)-ordering

Features

  • Highly efficient DNA yields from trace casework samples
  • Excellent removal of inhibitors
  • Optional TE elution and use of carrier RNA
  • Very high reproducibility with ready-to-use, prefilled forensic grade (ISO 18385) cartridges
  • Compatibility with the EZ2 Connect Fx and EZ1 Instrument series

Product Details

Please note: The EZ1 DNA Investigator Kit was renamed to EZ1&2 DNA Investigator Kit in autumn 2021. For more detailed information about this and other product changes please click here.

The EZ1&2 DNA Investigator Kit reproducibly automates purification of genomic DNA from reference and casework samples in human identity testing. The kit can be used with the EZ2 Connect Fx (1-24 samples), EZ1 Advanced XL (1–14 samples per run), EZ1 Advanced (1–6 samples per run), and BioRobot EZ1 (1–6 samples per run) instruments. Purification is fast and efficient. Purified DNA performs well in downstream analyses with high signal-to-noise ratios, such as quantitative PCR and STR analysis.

The EZ2 Connect Fx features cardless protocols, expanded applications and remote connectivity options. Click here to learn more about the EZ2 Connect Fx, or contact your sales representative to discover how you can get an EZ2 Connect Fx for your lab.

Performance

More efficient yields for sensitive downstream analyses

The EZ1&2 DNA Investigator Kit provides optimized chemistries for automated DNA purification with more efficient yields. STR analysis shows higher peaks for more sensitive detection (see figure " Improved performance in STR analysis". The higher peaks demonstrate the improved signal-to-noise ratio for highly sensitive detection and high performance in downstream applications. Comparison of peak heights in STR analysis showed recovery of 79% of the potential DNA yield (not shown). Optional elution in TE buffer gives comparable performance and provides increased stability for long-term storage of small amounts of purified DNA. There were no dropouts (<50 relative fluorescent units for any of the 8 alleles investigated) for any of the samples processed.

Easier handling of solid materials with "tip dance" protocol

In addition to the standard trace protocol, an optional, fully automated "tip dance" protocol can be used, where the filter-tip moves back and forth relative to the worktable platform while pipetting. This enables processing of solid materials, such as swabs, fabrics, blood discs, or cigarette butts, directly in the sample tube. There is no need for prior centrifugation to remove solid materials that could clog the tip (see flowchart " EZ1 DNA tissue trace and “tip dance” protocols"). The "tip dance" protocol simplifies handling and, in some cases, increases DNA yield with more efficient extraction of the sample (see figure " Easy and efficient processing of solid materials with the "tip dance" protocol").

Optimized protocol for larger sample volumes

A large-volume protocol enables fully automated processing of starting volumes up to 500 µl. This not only allows efficient DNA purification from dilute samples with low concentrations of DNA, such as diffuse stains, but also enables purification from samples that require larger volumes for thorough lysis. The ability to process larger sample volumes — with the same elution volume as the standard trace protocol — enables higher yields of more concentrated DNA for greater sensitivity in downstream applications (see figure " Higher yields of concentrated DNA with the large-volume protocol", see table "Relative STR peak heights with different protocols").

Efficient purification of low amounts of DNA

The EZ1&2 DNA Investigator Kit includes carrier RNA for increased efficiency. Carrier RNA enhances binding of DNA to the silica surface of the magnetic particles, especially if the sample contains low amounts of DNA (<1 ng). Published data suggest that addition of carrier RNA enables more efficient isolation of low amounts of DNA from forensic samples and may, for some sample types, provide improved DNA yields. Addition of carrier RNA to sample lysates did not interfere with downstream STR analysis.

Equivalence testing

Results from equivalence testing show that the EZ2 Connect Fx provides excellent DNA yields across a range of input sample dilutions, similar to the EZ1 Advanced XL (see figure  Same excellent DNA yield when compared with the EZ1 Advanced XL).

Easy protocol setup and handling

Easy access to dedicated pre-loaded human ID and forensics protocols is available via the intuitive touchscreen interface on the EZ2 Connect Fx. For the EZ1 Instrument series, the preprogrammed EZ1 Advanced XL DNA Investigator Card (for use with the EZ1 Advanced XL), EZ1 Advanced DNA Investigator Card (for use with the EZ1 Advanced) and EZ1 DNA Investigator Card (for use with the BioRobot EZ1) make setting up the purification protocols as easy as making a credit card transaction. Prefilled, sealed reagent cartridges in the EZ1&2 DNA Investigator Kit help to prevent human error during setup of the instrument and prevent contamination of buffers. By eliminating human error in reagent preparation and workstation setup, and by providing cross-contamination-free liquid handling, the EZ2 Connect Fx, EZ1 Advanced XL, EZ1 Advanced, and BioRobot EZ1 provide high levels of reliability and standardization.

Quality guaranteed

In accordance with QIAGEN's ISO-certified Quality Management System, each lot of EZ1&2 DNA Investigator Kits is tested against predetermined specifications to ensure consistent product quality. The EZ1&2 DNA Investigator Kit meets ISO 18385 requirements.

See figures

Principle

The EZ2 Connect Fx, EZ1 Advanced XL, EZ1 Advanced, and BioRobot EZ1 provide fully automated purification of genomic DNA using silica-coated magnetic particles. Magnetic-particle technology eliminates tedious centrifugation steps, and the easy-to-use instrument allows purification of 1-24 samples (EZ2 Connect Fx), 1-14 samples (EZ1 Advanced XL) or 1–6 samples (EZ1 Advanced and BioRobot EZ1) in a single run. The automatic sensor-controlled lock of the instrument door and the use of sealed reagent cartridges reduce the chances of environmental contamination.

Procedure

Pretreated samples are loaded onto the instrument, and genomic DNA is purified in one step following the automated procedure. Genomic DNA is eluted, ready to use in all downstream applications.

Applications

The high-quality DNA obtained using the EZ1&2 DNA Investigator Kit is suited for human identity applications including forensics, kinship or paternity testing, and disaster victim identification, and is used in techniques such as:

  • STR and SNP genotyping
  • DNA quantitation
  • Next-generation sequencing in human identification

Supporting data and figures

Specifications

FeaturesSpecifications
ApplicationsPCR, real-time RT-PCR, genotyping
Main sample typeForensic samples
For automated processingEZ2 Connect Fx, EZ1 Instrument series
Sample amount<500 µl
TechnologyMagnetic particles
FormatSample tube
ProcessingAutomated
Purification of total RNA, miRNA, poly A+ mRNA, DNA or proteinDNA
Yield150–250 ng
Elution volume50–200 µl; EZ2 offers optional reduced elution volumes of 20–30 µl

Resources

Supplementary Protocols (4)
Supplementary protocol using the EZ1 Advanced DNA Investigator Large-Scale Bone Card or the EZ1 Advanced XL DNA Investigator Large-Scale Bone Card
Supplementary protocol using the EZ1 Advanced or EZ1 Advanced XL with the EZ1 DNA Investigator Kit
Supplementary protocol using the Investigator Lyse&Spin Basket Kit and EZ1 Advanced XL
Supplementary protocol using the Flip Cap Rack and the EZ1 Advanced XL Flip Cap Card.
User-Developed Protocols (6)
This protocol has been adapted to allow the user to replace the epithelial transfer and sperm pellet wash steps with an automated protocol using the QIAcube Connect.
This protocol is adapted from the QIAGEN RNeasy MinElute Cleanup protocol and is intended for use as a guideline for the purification of total RNA from waste fractions obtained from a sample first purified using the EZ1 DNA Investigator protocol.

This protocol has been adapted by the North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory from the pretreatment for epithelial cells mixed with sperm cells and is for the lysis and extraction of DNA from a sperm pellet after differential separation.

This protocol has been adapted by the North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory from the pretreatment for hair and is for the lysis and extraction of DNA from forensic samples of hair in less time than the standard EZ1 DNA Investigator protocol pretreatment.
Quick-Start Protocols (2)
For use with the EZ1 instruments
For use with the EZ2 Connect Fx instrument
Validation Reports (3)
For the EZ1 DNA Investigator Kit
  • BioRobot EZ1
  • EZ1 Advanced
  • EZ1 Advanced XL
Brochures & Guides (4)
Fully automated low- to medium-throughput purification of nucleic acids

Solutions for missing persons and bone sample processing


New name for EZ1 DNA Investigator Kit: now EZ1&2 DNA Investigator Kit

Application Notes (5)

Performance of the EZ2 Connect Fx compared with performance of an instrument regularly encountered in forensic laboratories

Performance of the EZ2 Connect Fx compared with performance of an instrument regularly encountered in forensic laboratories

Kit Handbooks (2)
For automated purification of DNA from forensic and human ID samples using EZ1 instruments
For automated purification of DNA from forensic and human ID samples using the EZ2 Connect Fx instrument
Safety Data Sheets (1)
Technical Information (1)
Quality initiatives for human identity testing and forensics 
Certificates of Analysis (1)

FAQ

Is training of lab personnel included with the purchase of a BioRobot EZ1?

Operation of the BioRobot EZ1 is so easy that no additional training other than the initial demo is needed. Operating the instrument requires only three major steps:

  • Insert the appropriate EZ1 Protocol Card, switch on the workstation, and, if necessary, select the appropriate protocol
  • Follow the instructions on the liquid-crystal display (LCD), which describes where the sample tubes, elution tubes, filter tips, and EZ1 Reagent Cartridges must be loaded and which indicates when to start the protocol run
  • Collect purified nucleic acids when the protocol run ends

 

FAQ ID -1239
When should the Normalization protocol be used?

The Normalization protocol is useful for routine, standardized analyses of reference samples, such as blood or buccal swabs, where sample-to-sample variability can result in widely varying DNA yields. The normalization protocol eliminates the need for yield quantification prior to analysis. It limits DNA yields uniformly to 150-250 ng.

However, please note that the Normalization protocol should not be used if the DNA amount in the sample is very limited. In this case, the Trace protocol on the EZ1 DNA Investigator Card should be used instead.

FAQ ID -1155
How can we get our BioRobot EZ1 upgraded when new protocols are launched?

Protocols for nucleic acid purification are supplied on pre-programmed EZ1 Protocol Cards. These protocols provide both on-screen instructions for the operator and operating commands for the workstation. The range of kits and protocols for the EZ1 is continuously expanding to allow nucleic acid purification from a wide range of sample types. Please browse our Supplementary Protocol Section to find specialized EZ1 protocols for a large variety of clinical sample types, in addition to the standard sample types covered in our EZ1 handbooks.

 

FAQ ID -1241
Where can I find information about the worktable setup on the BioRobot EZ1?

Loading of sample tubes, elution tubes, filter-tips, and Reagent Cartridges onto the worktable of the BioRobot EZ1 is intuitive, easy and quick. Details about worktable setup are provided with each new protocol, and are also displayed in the liquid-crystal display (LCD) of the control panel when you start setup of the worktable.

 

FAQ ID -1243
Can the EZ1 DNA Investigator Tip Dance protocol cope with any solid matrix remaining in the sample tube?
Yes, the Tip Dance protocol of the EZ1 DNA Investigator Card can cope with solid matrix that remains in the sample tube. However, very fluffy/diffuse materials (e.g. paper tissues) can clog the tips.
FAQ ID -1153
Can the EZ1 DNA Forensic Card be used with the EZ1 DNA Investigator Kit?
No, the EZ1 DNA Forensic Card cannot be used with the EZ1 DNA Investigator Kit.
FAQ ID -1151
Do the foils sealing the EZ1 Reagent Cartridges have to be manually removed prior to loading the robot?

No, prefilled Reagent Cartridges can be loaded onto the BioRobot EZ1 with their seals. During operation of the instrument, the piercing unit, a row of 6 metal spikes located behind the tip adapters, will puncture the foil of the cartridges, thereby exposing the reagents.

 

FAQ ID -1240
What disposables are required for nucleic acid isolations on the BioRobot EZ1?

No extra accessories need to be purchased for the BioRobot EZ1, as sample and elution tubes, as well as tips and tip holders are included with each EZ1 DNA or RNA isolation kit.

 

FAQ ID -1246