Automated genetic analysis.

Automation of several new, non-traditional techniques for genetic analysis has now become possible. A new system is described that performs gel electrophoretic analysis of DNA including VNTRs, gene segments, and restriction enzyme digests. The instrument detects emitted fluorescence from labeled DNA segments in real-time as they electrophore through a gel matrix past a scanning laser beam. Molecular length determination and band quantification is accomplished by comparison to an in-lane standard. Since DNA segments can be labeled and detected with any of four different dyes, the simultaneous analysis of similar length segments from different reactions within a single lane is possible. PCR products are analyzed for research in the areas of human identification and genetic disease. These examples illustrate how automation will play key role in this new era of genetic analysis.