This disclosure provides an integrated and automated sample-to-answer
system that, starting from a sample comprising biological material, generates a
genetic profile in less than two hours. In certain embodiments, the biological material is
DNA and the
genetic profile involves determining alleles at one or a plurality of loci (e.g., genetic loci) of a subject, for example, an STR (short
tandem repeat) profile, for example as used in the CODIS
system. The
system can perform several operations, including (a) extraction and isolation of
nucleic acid; (b) amplification of
nucleotide sequences at selected loci (e.g., genetic loci); and (c) detection and analysis of amplification product. These operations can be carried out in a system that comprises several integrated modules, including an
analyte preparation module; a detection and analysis module and a control module.