Overview

The current manual methods used to run aCGH based genetic tests are complex and require a completely new set of skills for personnel in the cytogenetics laboratory. The successful adoption of aCGH technology by genetic testing laboratories will require new “operator friendly” automation tools that will simplify and streamline the workflow used for microarray based tests.

SciGene has automated the workflow for aCGH based genetic tests by simplifying the process used by lab personnel, making patient tests more reliable at a lower cost.

Technology

SciGene’s family of instruments work together to automate the workflow used in aCGH-based tests from sample isolation and labeling through array hybridization and post-hybridization processing. The instruments are platform “agnostic” and can be used with all commercial microarrays including those from Agilent, Roche NimbleGen, BlueGnome and others.

The ArrayPrep™ Target Preparation System is a reagent handling and incubation instrument specially designed for purifying, labeling and loading DNA derived from patient samples onto microarrays. The Mai Tai® Hybridization System accommodates robotic sample loading and applies bubble mixing technology during incubation of multiple slides. The Little Dipper® Processor with NoZone® Workspace automates the washing and drying of microarrays in an ozone-safe environment presenting slides ready for scanning.

Automating the Microarray Workflow

Case Study

“I run a busy aCGH-based genetic testing laboratory where we process more than 250 patient samples each week using BAC and oligo microarrays. As our operation has grown, we have worked closely with SciGene to automate our laboratory workflow. Little Dipper Processors with ozone control have been in operation for over two years and provide clean arrays ready for scanning without risk of ozone degradation. We are incorporating the new ArrayPrep Target Preparation system into our laboratory to automate the many steps normally used for DNA labeling and clean up. SciGene’s automation technology has enabled us to handle increasing sample volumes while improving reproducibility and throughput. SciGene has been a committed and responsive partner over the years.”

— Kyle Sundin, Laboratory Manager
Signature Genomic Laboratories, LLC

Literature

• ArrayPrep™ Target Preparation System
  
  
• Little Dipper® for Agilent Arrays
  
  
• Little Dipper® for FISH
  
  
• Mai Tai® Hybridization System
  
  
• Ozone Control Systems for Microarray Labs
  
  
• Post-Hybridization Processing of FISH Assays for Vysis TelVysion™, AneuVysion™, CEP® and LSI® Probes [LIttle Dipper]
  
  
• Fluorescent in situ Hybridization (FISH) of Metaphase Chromosomes [Hybex]

Customers