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The Maxwell® FSC and Maxwell® RSC 48 instruments provide scalable, easy-to-use solutions for forensic laboratories requiring automated DNA extraction from a wide range of preprocessed casework samples. By automating extraction, these systems reduce hands-on time, improve consistency, save labor costs, and allow laboratory staff to focus on critical downstream activities such as casework analysis.

Unlike liquid handling systems, both instruments employ paramagnetic particle-based technology, eliminating the need for pipetting during extraction. This design minimizes the risk of cross-contamination, prevents clogging, and reduces instrument downtime—resulting in fewer workflow disruptions.

Designed with efficiency and traceability in mind, the Maxwell® FSC and Maxwell® RSC 48 feature an integrated barcode reader that records essential information such as sample ID, kit ID, and lot number to support documentation and chain-of-custody compliance. The intuitive touchscreen interface, combined with preprogrammed protocols, enables users to initiate and manage runs with minimal training. Prefilled, single-use reagent cartridges simplify setup, reduce the potential for user error, and support consistent performance across diverse sample types.

Together, these features enable intuitive operation, efficient sample tracking, and reliable DNA yields. The compact footprints of both instruments allow for integration into space-constrained laboratory environments, while Promega’s comprehensive support services ensure laboratories maintain operational continuity and data integrity.

Promega’s pre-processing kits are designed to prepare complex forensic samples for downstream DNA extraction with the Maxwell® instrument. These tools streamline front-end workflows and improve consistency when dealing with difficult or degraded samples.

• Bone DNA Extraction Kit: Enables pre-processing of bone and teeth samples, reducing inhibitors and preparing DNA for STR analysis.
• Casework Extraction Kit: Optimized for low-level or degraded DNA from crime scene evidence; includes lysis and purification steps tailored for forensic casework.

These kits support high-quality DNA results by improving input quality—especially important when working with compromised or limited samples.

The Maxwell® FSC DNA IQ™ Casework Kit contains the same trusted reagents as Promega’s established DNA IQ™ System in a convenient, prefilled, cartridge-based format. It is optimized for automated extraction of DNA from forensic casework samples, delivering purified DNA in a concentrated final volume. The kit is compatible with both the Maxwell® FSC and Maxwell® RSC 48 Instruments, and cartridge setup can be further streamlined using the Maxprep™ Liquid Handler to reduce manual steps and hands-on time.

All reagents are manufactured in alignment with the ISO 18385 standard. This standard ensures minimal risk of human DNA contamination for products used to collect, store and analyze biological materials for forensic purposes.

Validation data illustrates the kit’s performance in the presence of PCR inhibitors (Figure 1). Saliva samples spiked with humic acid and hematin were successfully purified using the Maxwell® FSC DNA IQ™ Casework Kit, demonstrating that the chemistry is effective even under inhibitory conditions. These results underscore the robustness of the DNA IQ™ chemistry for forensic samples.

When paired with the Maxwell® FSC or Maxwell® RSC 48 Instruments, the Maxwell® FSC DNA IQ™ Casework Kit offers forensic laboratories a reliable, automated solution for consistent DNA purification from complex and challenging casework samples.

Figure 1. Representative DNA profiles of samples that contained humic acid and hematin inhibitors (scaled to 20,000RFU). Panel A. A DNA profile from a saliva sample containing no added inhibitor. Panel B. A DNA profile from a saliva sample containing 6μl of 5mg/ml humic acid. Panel C. A DNA profile from a saliva sample containing 120μl of 2mM hematin. Samples were extracted using the Maxwell® RSC 48 Instrument with the Maxwell® FSC DNA IQ™ Casework Kit and quantified using the PowerQuant® System on the Applied Biosystems® 7500 Real-Time PCR System. Amplification was performed using PowerPlex® Fusion on a GeneAmp® PCR System 9700 thermal cycler, and 1μl of amplified product was subjected to electrophoresis on an Applied Biosystems® 3500xL series instrument using a 1.2kv, 24-second injection.