Automated isolation and chemical reaction(s) of nucleic acids

A method for performing sequential nucleic acid isolation and conversion/purification reaction(s) in a closed automated device which includes:

• (A) a plurality of reaction reservoirs;
• (B) a heating unit configured to heat the plurality of reaction reservoirs;
• (C) a magnet configured to be elevated and lowered relative to the reaction reservoirs;
• the method comprising:
• a. contacting the nucleic acid-containing sample with an extraction reagent in a first reservoir of the plurality of the reaction chambers to thereby extract the nucleic acid from the sample;
• b. binding the extracted nucleic acid with a first plurality of magnetic beads in the first reservoir;
• c. while holding the magnetic beads down by elevating the magnet relative to the first plurality of magnetic beads, removing liquid supernatant formed in the first reservoir;
• d. eluting the bound extracted nucleic acid from the first plurality of magnetic beads using a first elution buffer while subjecting the first reservoir to a first elevated temperature by the heating unit for a first predetermined duration of time to thereby obtain an isolated nucleic acid eluent;
• e. while holding the magnetic beads down by elevating the magnet relative to the first plurality of magnetic beads, transferring the isolated nucleic acid eluent to a second reservoir of the plurality of reaction reservoirs, the second reaction reservoir containing a conversion reagent;
• f. reacting said isolated nucleic acid with the conversion reagent in the second reservoir while subjecting the second reservoir to a second elevated temperature by the heating unit for a second predetermined duration of time, to thereby obtain a modified nucleic acid;
• g. binding the modified nucleic acid with a second plurality of magnetic beads;
• h. while holding the magnetic beads down by elevating the magnet relative to the second plurality of magnetic beads, removing liquid supernatant formed;
• j. eluting the bound modified nucleic acid from the second plurality of magnetic beads using a second elution buffer or a second series of elution buffers to thereby obtain a purified modified nucleic acid eluent.