PerkinElmer announced the Constitutional Chip 4.0 microarray for array-based comparative genomic hybridisation (aCGH) at the AACC 2008 annual meeting and clinical lab expo in Washington, DC
This newest addition to PerkinElmer's genetic screening molecular-based product portfolio is a high-quality bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) array intended for identification of chromosomal gain or loss of DNA and identification of the region in which gain or loss has occurred.
The Constitutional Chip 4.0 combines leading technology from PerkinElmer's Constitutional Chip 3.0 and the Spectral Chip 2600, obtained through the company's acquisition of the assets of Spectral Genomics, along with additional features and functionality to provide cytogenetic laboratories with enhanced detection capabilities.
"Cytogenetic research can benefit tremendously if researchers are able to combine a targeted array approach with whole genome coverage to maximise detection rates," said Ann-Christine Sundell, president, genetic screening, PerkinElmer.
"Our latest innovation, the Constitutional Chip 4.0, enables researchers to do just that: assure reliable research of gains and losses related to significant well-characterized chromosomal regions as well as identify novel copy number changes and define break points.
"We are pleased to be able to continue to provide our customers worldwide with the total technology solutions they require to improve results and change lives outside the laboratory walls".
Current cytogenetic research is focused on exploring the genetic cause(s) associated with dysmorphic features, unexplained mental retardation or developmental delay, multiple congenital anomalies or any suspicion of genomic imbalance.
aCGH technology has recently become an important component of this type research due to its ability to detect genomic copy number changes at a higher resolution level than traditional karyotyping methods, such as Fish or g-banding.
PerkinElmer's aCGH technology provides the speed, throughput and resolution required for today's cytogenetic laboratories, allowing researchers to survey the entire human genome with high resolution and specificity.
