Recommended by Signature Genomics

Signature Genomic Laboratories (Spokane, WA), the supplier of SignatureSelect® Arrays, uses the Little Dipper® Processor with NoZone® Workstation daily. They process thousands of SignatureSelect® Arrays annually and use the instrument to process Oligo aCGH Solution Arrays from Agilent. The SciGene system is an essential part of their growing clinical testing laboratory and is recommended equipment for users of SignatureSelect® Arrays.The Little Dipper® Processor for SignatureSelect® Arrays arrives with all required components and the Signature Genomics-validated protocol installed.

Simplified Calibration for CLIA Compliance

The Little Dipper® Processor has a built-in system to verify and calibrate the temperature of the instrument wash solutions in accordance with CLIA guidelines. Using the NIST-traceable thermometer included with the system, buffer temperatures can be checked and the control system adjusted to give highly accurate temperatures.

Process FISH and other Microarray Types

The Little Dipper® Processor can be easily reconfigured and programmed to perform posthybridization protocols for FISH samples or any slide-based commercial array. Use of a single piece of equipment for processing multiple sample types simplifies operator training, avoids the added cost from duplicating equipment and saves bench space

Customers

The Little Dipper® Processor for SignatureSelect® Arrays [Cat. #1080-60-1 (115V); 1080-60-2 (230V)] is a programmable robotic system that replaces tedious manual processing of DNA microarrays for improved aCGH assay reproducibility. Following an optimized and validated protocol installed on the machine, batches of 1 to 24 SignatureSelect® Arrays are agitated and moved at programmed times between baths containing the specified buffers. While submerged in each bath, the arrays are washed using a combination of up/down agitation and stir bar vortex mixing. In the final step, samples are automatically centrifuged dry.

For best results, the Little Dipper® Processor is used within a NoZone® Workspace to eliminate the destructive effects of ozone on fluorescent dyes. The Little Dipper and NoZone® Workspace work together to provide tight control of time, temperature, ozone levels and washing action to eliminate day-to-day and operator-to-operator variability that can affect test results.

Load and Go Operation

After filling baths, setting temperatures and stir bar rotation, arrays are loaded into a 12 or 24-position rack and mounted onto the system's robotic arm. The instrument then performs all of the programmed wash and dry steps presenting the arrays ready for scanning. The simplicity of the design and operation of the system makes training operators a snap. The system allows the operator to walk away, saving over 30 minutes of hands-on time per batch.