Prepares 8 to 96 Samples Ready for Hybridization

The ArrayPrep® Target Preparation System is a robotic system that automates DNA labeling using SciGene’s ready-to-use kit or those from Agilent and Roche NimbleGen. The system automates reaction setup and purification and presents labeled samples ready for array hybridization. The ArrayPrep System requires less than 30 minutes hands-on time to process each batch of samples compared to many hours of technician time required to handle reagents, buffers and labware with manual methods.

The system includes easy-to-follow instructions and comes pre-programmed with optimized protocols for labeling 8 to 96 patient DNA samples and controls. By automating aCGH sample preparation, the ArrayPrep System affords the laboratory significant savings in labor, improves overall test reliability and lowers costs by minimizing repeat testing.

Easy Operation Using Optimized Protocols

The ArrayPrep instrument was designed specifically to automate methods used to prepare samples for aCGH analysis. The combination of its small size, pipettor and deck design, and machine interface make it easy to use. To operate the instrument, simply follow the included reference card for placing labware, reagents and buffers, select the chemistry and number of samples to be used and then press start. The operator returns to the instrument only to seal plates for denaturation/ incubation steps and to remove the final purified samples ready for quantitation.

Prepares Hybridization Samples and Loads Arrays

The ArrayPrep System also prepares hyb samples and loads them onto arrays used with the Mai Tai® Hybridization System. The ArrayPrep instrument mixes labeled samples with hyb buffers and then heats, cools and loads them onto gasket slides in Mai Tai cassettes. After placing arrays onto the samples, the cassettes are sealed and placed into a rotating oven for incubation and bubble mixing. Handling errors are reduced by ensuring that each sample is precisely delivered to its assigned array.

Use with the ArrayPrep® aCGH Genomic Labeling System*

The ArrayPrep® aCGH Genomic Labeling System is a ready-to-use kit that supplies reagents in a 24-well plate sufficient for performing up to 32 (16 Alexa-3 / 16 Alexa-5) reactions. After thawing, the reagent plate is placed on the instrument deck along with the DNA samples to be labeled. The instrument performs all reagent additions and incubations using integrated temperature controlled blocks. Subsequent purification of the labeled DNA using magnetic beads is also automated; providing labeled material ready for hybridization. Read more.

*Manufactured and supplied to SciGene under license from Life Technologies Corporation.

The ArrayPrep® Target Preparation System [Cat. #2000-00-1 (115V); 2000-00-2 (230V)] is a robotic liquid handling system that automates genomic DNA labeling and purification. The system automates reaction setup and purification and presents labeled samples ready for array hybridization.

Automating the aCGH Workflow

Testing patient samples with aCGH is a powerful tool that provides a wealth of genetic information to the physician. However, the tedious methods used to perform the tests can be formidable to many molecular cytogenetics laboratories. SciGene products automate the entire microarray workflow from DNA labeling to post-hybridization processing to enhance throughput, reduce operator effort, improve reliability and lower cost per test.