Discover the future of DNA sample prep with me, Kayli Carrillo

Hey everyone! I’m Kayli Carrillo, a PhD student in the Forensic Science Department at Sam Houston State University (SHSU). I’m super excited to share my experience with the Applied Biosystems™ HID NIMBUS® Presto QNA System. SHSU was fortunate enough to have early access to the HID NIMBUS Presto QNA System, and I was tasked with putting the system to the test. So, I got to unbox and challenge the instrument with interesting forensic-type samples.

What is the HID NIMBUS Presto QNA System?

If your goal is accurate and efficient DNA analysis, you’re going to be pleased to learn that the system is an all-in-one, walk-away automated sample prep instrument. This cutting-edge device is designed to make the process of gathering and analyzing data smoother and more efficient. It performs DNA sample extraction, quantification plate setup, normalization, and amplification plate setup. You’re going to love it, whether you’re a tech lead or an analyst.

Proof!

Prior to the product’s release I was able to put the system through its paces and test challenging samples, including buried, burned, and surface decomposed bones. The HID NIMBUS Presto QNA System performed as well as, and in many cases better than, manual extraction.

 

Additional samples like hair, nails, and teeth from cadavers were also tested; as with the bone samples, the results from these samples were comparable to or better than those processed in a manual workflow.

Key findings 

  • Accuracy and precision—The HID NIMBUS Presto QNA System delivers accurate and precise results.
  • Ease of use—The system is super user-friendly, so even if you’re not a techie, you’ll be able to easily navigate.
  • Versatility—Whether you’re processing 96 or 24 samples, the HID NIMBUS Presto QNA System scales to your needs.

If you would like to see more proof, watch this webinar in which I detail the test and report on the results.

Unboxing

Since we live in the digital era, I thought it would be fun to create a series of unboxing videos about the HID NIMBUS Presto QNA System. Watch my videos as I take you through what to expect from the system. I’ll share a range of features and tips, from basic to advanced. I promise it’s going to be both informative and fun!

I’m so excited to share this journey with you! Connect with me on LinkedIn to learn more about me and my experience with the HID NIMBUS Presto QNA System. Feel free to leave comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts and answer any questions.

Resources

For Research, Forensic or Paternity Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
© 2025 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of Thermo Fisher Scientific and its subsidiaries unless otherwise specified. NIMBUS is a registered trademark of Hamilton Co.

Kayli Carrillo

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get news and research reviews on the topic of your choice, right in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.