Standard 1x3" glass slide microarrays from other manufacturers as well as laboratories' own slides benefit from commitment to open systems gene expression analysis
Agilent Technologies Europe has introduced the G2565BA microarray scanner, which makes it easier for scientists to scan a wider variety of 1x3" (25x75mm) glass slide microarrays from third-party manufacturers as well as from those labs spotting their own microarrays.
This added flexibility demonstrates Agilent's commitment to open systems gene expression analysis.
The new microarray scanner delivers these features: Efficient scanning of most standard varieties of 1x3" glass slides with differing thicknesses and widths so that researchers can freely use the Agilent microarray scanner to run both Agilent and non-Agilent microarrays.
Simple customisation of microarray scan regions for non-Agilent 1x3" microarrays, making it easy to run different microarray layouts.
A laser-saver function that can be programmed to turn on and off according to a given lab's workflow needs, thereby increasing the laser's life span while reducing instrument maintenance.
Web-based monitoring of the status of microarray scanning, allowing researchers to check the completion status of a given scan so they can monitor their microarray analysis remotely.
Enhanced instrument start-up diagnostics software that assesses scanner performance parameters and provides researchers with a status report prior to scanning.
Agilent's Feature Extraction software is also included and provides users of Agilent's own catalogue and custom microarrays with the simplicity of seamless, automatic feature extraction and feature look-up.
This feature extraction software also includes these features: Enhanced data normalisation using Agilent's exclusive rank consistency probe selection algorithm and the Lowess algorithm, which are used during feature extraction and microarray processing.
Automatic removal of data bias associated with incorrect background estimation through Agilent's exclusive background determination and adjustment algorithms.
Advanced error modeling, which improves the confidence in microarray data. "Consistent with Agilent's open systems approach to gene expression analysis, our microarray scanner is now able to read a wide range of 1x3" glass slides," said Barney Saunders, vice president and general manager, Agilent's BioResearch Solutions unit, "Researchers can now enjoy the benefits and greater productivity of more sensitive and robust scanning of both Agilent DNA microarrays and other manufacturers' 1x3" glass slide microarrays by the same instrument and in the same run."
