HLA DQa and the AmpFISTR^® Blue STR triplex were PCR amplified using a microchip-based device known as the Miniature Analytical Thermal Cycling Instrument (MATCI). This instrument is battery-powered, fits in a small suitcase, and can be easily transported and operated in any location. The rapid heating properties of the MATCI enabled thermal cycling to be completed in as little as 21 minutes. The potential to perform integrated real-time typing in under 40 minutes was demonstrated using the solid-state optical component of the MATCI. A TaqMan assay was designed to type a biallelic locus, and the results clearly demonstrated the potential for performing a DQa or PolyMarker-like test on a future multi-chamber version of the instrument. In another approach, the MATCI was used to generate STR products that were analyzed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. This "MATCI-MALDI" method yielded typing results in under one hour. The successful application of the MATCI for forensic identity testing is a significant milestone towards the eventual development of a completely integrated DNA testing instrument that would also incorporate sample preparation and allele characterization.