Promega Launches 24-Capillary DNA Analysis System
The new hardware allows high-throughput laboratories to process more forensic samples with increased sensitivity.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Biotech
Promega Corporation has launched a 24-capillary version of its Spectrum CE System for forensic DNA analysis. The new instrument is available for immediate purchase to support high-throughput laboratory workflows.
Why it matters
The addition of a 24-capillary model enables forensic labs to increase sample processing capacity significantly. This development allows for more effective interpretation of DNA mixtures and improved results from challenging samples.
The system utilizes Reduced-Stutter Polymerase to lower stutter signal intensity by eightfold, alongside four 96-well plate positions that allow continuous sample access. It supports 5-, 6-, and 8-dye STR chemistries across multiple manufacturers.
The players
Promega Corporation
A Madison-based biotechnology company that develops enzymes, kits, and instrumentation for forensic, clinical, and molecular biology research.
The details
The Spectrum CE System employs capillary electrophoresis—a technique that separates DNA molecules by size using an electric field—to profile Short Tandem Repeats (STR). By incorporating Reduced-Stutter Polymerase, an enzyme modified to minimize artifacts during DNA amplification, the system achieves cleaner data. The architecture includes four 96-well plate positions, which enables operators to add or remove samples without pausing active runs, a capability designed for continuous throughput.
Timeline
October 28, 2026: Promega Corporation launched the 24-capillary Spectrum CE System.
The Tech Race
This release expands the existing Spectrum CE portfolio by adding a 24-capillary unit to the established 8- and 4-capillary models. The upgrade positions Promega to better compete for volume-heavy forensic contracts that require higher throughput than previous iterations allowed.
Forensic laboratories can purchase the system immediately, with Promega providing on-site optimization and validation training. These capabilities change workflows by enabling continuous sample loading, which reduces downtime for teams processing large volumes of evidence.
The takeaway
The system represents a push toward higher efficiency for clinical and forensic high-throughput facilities. Labs should monitor future validation project reports to see how the eightfold stutter reduction holds up in real-world mixed-sample interpretation.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in Biotech to see how forensic tools are evolving.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Biospectrumindia.
