New application note addresses benefits of aCGH/SNP arrays

Oxford, UK – 20 March 2013. OGT, provider of innovative genetics research and biomarker solutions to advance molecular medicine, has produced a new, free-to-download application note on combined array comparative genomic hybridisation (aCGH) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays. The application note, titled ‘Detecting copy number variants and runs of homozygosity on a single array — challenges and applications’ aims to support researchers in navigating this combined approach for the simultaneous detection of copy number variations (CNVs) and runs of homozygosity (ROH).

aCGH has established itself as the “gold-standard” platform for array-based CNV detection. Recent advances have enabled the combination of aCGH probes for CNV detection with probes able to detect SNPs. Ideal for clinical genetics researchers, the application note highlights the importance and benefits of these combined probe arrays in the detection of various genetic conditions.  For example, OGT’s CytoSure^® aCGH +SNP arrays allow any reference DNA to be used and no restriction digest of the sample is required. This means that labelling and hybridisation steps can be competed in a single day — which is significantly quicker than typical SNP platforms — while providing information on changes in copy number and regions of homozygosity, and integrating into existing workflows.

The OGT arrays have been research-validated to provide informative, biologically relevant SNP data for various genetic aberrations such as uniparental disomy (UDP), mosaic aneuploidy and ROH, without compromising on high-quality CNV data. CytoSure aCGH +SNP arrays are available for constitutional, cancer and molecular genetics research. Each array purchase also comes with complimentary access to OGT’s powerful, user-friendly CytoSure Interpret Software, a CNV and SNP data analysis package which contains innovative features to minimise user intervention and maximise consistency and speed of data interpretation.

About OGT

OGT, a Sysmex Group company, is a leading global provider of clinical and diagnostic genomic solutions that are created for scientists by scientists - including CytoCell^®, CytoSure^® and SureSeq™ ranges of FISH, microarray and NGS products. The company is dedicated to creating products that enable researchers and clinical decision makers to reach the right care decisions for each patient, every time. OGT strives to unlock the future of genetic clinical care with a commitment to working in partnership with its customers - not only by sharing its expertise of 25 years at the forefront of genetic endeavour, but also by working closely with scientists to understand their unique challenges, and to customise its approach to meet their exact needs. Dedicated to improving clinical care, OGT believes that through partnership—together—we’ll achieve more.

For more information on the Company, please visit our website at ogt.com

CytoSure^®, SureSeq™ and myProbes^®: For Research Use Only, not for use in diagnostic procedures. CytoCell: Some products may not be available in your region.

About Sysmex Corporation

Sysmex Corporation is a world leader in clinical laboratory systemization and solutions, including laboratory diagnostics, laboratory automation and clinical information systems. Serving customers for more than 50 years, Sysmex focuses on technological leadership in diagnostic science and information tools that make a difference in the health of people worldwide. The company is also exploring emerging opportunities in the life science field. Its R&D efforts focus on the development of high-value-added testing and diagnostic technologies that are innovative, original and optimize individual health. Sysmex also seeks to leverage its state-of-the-art technologies for cell, gene and protein analysis. The company, headquartered in Kobe, Japan, has subsidiaries in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, China and Asia Pacific and employs more than 9,000 employees worldwide. Sysmex Corporation is listed in the top tier of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

For more information about Sysmex Corporation and its affiliate companies, please visit www.sysmex.co.jp/en/.