Abstract: The invention provides containers and methods of use for the storage, transportation and preparation of samples, such as DNA samples for analysis. The container is pre-provided with the reagents in sealed chambers. The sample can be introduced and the container manipulated to release the reagents, provide the necessary conditions and give a fully prepared sample. The container can then be engaged with an analysis device to identify characteristics of the sample or perform other operations thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus and a computer implemented method compare a first representation of an identifier with a second representation of an identifier to establish a likelihood ratio considering the probability the first representation and second representation originate from the same identifier and the probability of the first representation and second representation originate from different identifiers. The approach generates one or more variant expressions from the first representation, second representation and other representations. A boundary around the expression of the second representation is used to establish the number of the variant expressions of the expression of the first representation within it and the number of variant expressions of the expressions of the other representations within it and so provide the measure of comparison between the first representation of the identifier and the second representation of the identifier from the first value and second value.

Abstract: A method of searching a computer database containing a plurality of stored DNA profiles is provided. The method involves generating a search profile formed of two or more allele identities for each of one or more loci, at least one of the allele identities having a limited range of values, with the search profile being compared against the one or more stored DNA profiles from a database to establish matches between the search and stored profile.

Abstract: An apparatus (11) for processing a sample, circuit board (8008) suited to use in such an apparatus and a method of processing are provided in which the apparatus (11) is provided with alignment features to assist in provided the circuit board and a sample cartridge (9) in the correct position relative to one another. In this way, the plurality of sections for processing a sample in the cartridge (9) are positioned against a plurality of elements, such as a heater (4) for heating the sample cartridge (9) or an electrical contact (EP1-EP4) for powering features on the sample cartridge (9), correctly and can operate independently of one another.

Abstract: The invention provides containers and methods of use for the storage, transportation and preparation of samples, such as DNA samples for analysis. The container is pre-provided with the reagents in sealed chambers. The sample can be introduced and the container manipulated to release the reagents, provide the necessary conditions and give a fully prepared sample. The container can then be engaged with an analysis device to identify characteristics of the sample or perform other operations thereon.

Abstract: A method for collecting a sample and/or analysing a sample is provided, together with kits for use therein, in which the method includes using the kit and wherein an identifier is provided on one or more of the devices and/or containers and/or packaging which can be recorded and which is used to link the identity of the identifier for one or more of those identifiers to one or more of the identities for one or more of the other identifiers. In this way, the different devices, containers, pieces of equipment, reagents and stages used in the collection and/or analysis can be linked together for future reference. This ensures the correct processing of the sample and the correct attributing of the end results to it. Checks or other enquiries can be made on each of the different devices etc to validate the results if necessary.

Abstract: A method of verifying the performance of a size standard, formed of a plurality of size standard elements, used in a nucleic acid analysis method is provided. The verification is achieved by introducing the size standard to an analysis stage and performing a size based separation on the size standard. The size based separation defines an experimental position for each size standard element. A comparison is made as to whether or not the experimental position for the size standard element corresponds with expected position. The comparison allows a decision to be made on whether or not to use the size standard, which is dependent upon whether or not the experimental position of the size standard element corresponds with the expected position.

Abstract: A method of optimizing one or more parameters in a process for considering a DNA containing sample using a method of modeling and a method of modeling itself are provided. The method of modeling the process for considering a DNA containing sample uses a graphical model. The model seeks to provide one or more optimized parameters for the consideration process. The methods aim to consider the whole process, for instance, the number of cells required for the process and/or the extraction efficiency and/or the sub-sample volume relative to the sample volume and/or the amplification efficiency and/or the optimum number of amplification cycles and/or the effect of degradation on the amount of amplifiable DNA in the sample.

Abstract: A method of analysing and comparing a test sample with another sample is provided, wherein: the test sample is analysed, the analysis producing test sample analysis data set; the test sample analysis data set is processed to give a test sample results data set; defining a search term relating to the test sample results data set; obtaining the another sample to compare with the test sample; comparing the another sample result with the search term to inform on the another sample being a potential match with the test sample.

Abstract: The invention provides containers and methods of use for the storage, transportation and preparation of samples, such as DNA samples for analysis. The container is pre-provided with the reagents in sealed chambers. The sample can be introduced and the container manipulated to release the reagents, provide the necessary conditions and give a fully prepared sample. The container can then be engaged with an analysis device to identify characteristics of the sample or perform other operations thereon.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of comparing a test sample result set with another sample result set is provided, the method including: providing information for the first result set on the one or more identities detected for a variable characteristic of DNA; providing information for the second result set on the one or more identities detected for a variable characteristic of DNA; and comparing at least a part of the first result set with at least a part of the second result set; and wherein: the comparing includes a likelihood and the likelihood uses a probability density function conditioned on DNA quantity. Further benefits are obtained from the manner in which the probability density function is obtained and/or the use of probability density functions to account for stutter and/or allele dropout.

Abstract: A size standard, kit includes a size standard, method of defining a size standard and method of analysis using a size standard. The size standard is intended to include size standard elements which have a size greater than and/or less than and/or different from the components of a sample which are to be sized. This means that the same characteristic unit, such as a dye, can be used to label the component and the size standard. A further characteristic unit, from amongst a limited number of such characteristic units is liberated from use only on size standards for use on components. The method is therefore particularly useful in multiplex amplification of STRs.

Abstract: An apparatus and a computer implemented method compare a first representation of an identifier with a second representation of an identifier to establish a likelihood ratio considering the probability the first representation and second representation originate from the same identifier and the probability of the first representation and second representation originate from different identifiers. The approach generates one or more variant expressions from the first representation, second representation and other representations. A boundary around the expression of the second representation is used to establish the number of the variant expressions of the expression of the first representation within it and the number of variant expressions of the expressions of the other representations within it and so provide the measure of comparison between the first representation of the identifier and the second representation of the identifier from the first value and second value.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for providing information on the probability of DNA samples being contaminated over days, weeks and months in relation to collection, processing and analysis of DNA samples. Methods are also provided for analyzing the likelihood of a result arising due to contamination and/or determining the analysis protocol to be applied to a DNA sample and/or methods of operating databases, particularly containing DNA profiles. Improvements in accounting for sporadic and undetected contamination and improvements in the operation of DNA sampling of analysis are provided by the invention.

Abstract: A method of searching a computer database containing a plurality of stored DNA profiles is provided. The method involves generating a search profile formed of two or more allele identities for each of one or more loci, at least one of the allele identities having a limited range of values, with the search profile being compared against the one or more stored DNA profiles from a database to establish matches between the search and stored profile.

Abstract: A method of verifying the performance of a size standard, formed of a plurality of size standard elements, used in a nucleic acid analysis method is provided. The verification is achieved by introducing the size standard to an analysis stage and performing a size based separation on the size standard. The size based separation defines an experimental position for each size standard element. A comparison is made as to whether or not the experimental position for the size standard element corresponds with expected position. The comparison allows a decision to be made on whether or not to use the size standard, which is dependent upon whether or not the experimental position of the size standard element corresponds with the expected position.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for providing information on the probability of DNA samples being contaminated over days, weeks and months in relation to collection, processing and analysis of DNA samples. Methods are also provided for analysing the likelihood of a result arising due to contamination and/or determining the analysis protocol to be applied to a DNA sample and/or methods of operating databases, particularly containing DNA profiles. Improvements in accounting for sporadic and undetected contamination and improvements in the operation of DNA sampling of analysis are provided by the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for providing information on the probability of DNA samples being contaminated over days, weeks and months in relation to collection, processing and analysis of DNA samples. Methods are also provided for analysing the likelihood of a result arising due to contamination and/or determining the analysis protocol to be applied to a DNA sample and/or methods of operating databases, particularly containing DNA profiles. Improvements in accounting for sporadic and undetected contamination and improvements in the operation of DNA sampling of analysis are provided by the invention.

Abstract: Methods for establishing the genotype of a DNA sample, and methods for investigating the potential sources of a DNA sample arising from a plurality of source, are provided, the methods being based on a method including: analysing the sample to produce a data profile for the sample for a locus; proposing a suggested genotype; generating a first stage profile for the locus for the suggested genotype; adjusting the first stage profile to account for one or more factors to give a simulation profile; and comparing the data profile and the simulation profile to provide an indication of the likelihood of the data profile given the suggested genotype. The methods in effect make adjustments to take the first stage profile, potentially through one or more intervening profiles, to the simulation profile, the simulation profile being an anticipation of the data profile which would be expected to occur for that suggested genotype in practice.

Abstract: A method of optimizing one or more parameters in a process for considering a DNA containing sample using a method of modeling and a method of modeling itself are provided. The method of modeling the process for considering a DNA containing sample uses a graphical model. The model seeks to provide one or more optimized parameters for the consideration process. The methods aim to consider the whole process, for instance, the number of cells required for the process and/or the extraction efficiency and/or the sub-sample volume relative to the sample volume and/or the amplification efficiency and/or the optimum number of amplification cycles and/or the effect of degradation on the amount of amplifiable DNA in the sample.