| abstract |
An apparatus for automating the extraction and amplification of nucleic acid from a nucleic acid-containing sample is provided. The present invention relates to an apparatus configured to extract and amplify nucleic acids from a plurality of nucleic acid-containing samples, and includes a rack, an integrated separator and heater, a liquid dispenser, and a bay. Each of the plurality of lanes of the rack has a first location for receiving one of the plurality of samples and a second location for receiving a reagent holder. The integrated separator and heater include a magnetic separator that moves adjacent to the second location of the rack and a plurality of independently controllable heater units. The liquid dispenser is movable from above the first location to above the second location. The bay has a heating source and receives the microfluidic cartridge to amplify nucleic acids extracted from multiple samples separately by supplying heat to each lane of the microfluidic cartridge independently. [Selection] Figure 1B |