Tandem mass spectrometry system and reagent kits screen for over 40 disease markers will be supplied for state-wide expansion of newborn screening programme
PerkinElmer has signed long-term agreements with the state of California to supply tandem mass spectrometry systems in support of the state's expanded newborn screening programme. PerkinElmer's NeoGram amino acids and acylcarnitines kit recently became the world's first multi-analyte kit cleared by the FDA for newborn metabolic screening using tandem mass spectrometry.
Subsequent to validation of requested enhancements, PerkinElmer will provide California's contracted newborn screening laboratories with tandem mass spectrometry systems, reagent kits, and software.
In addition, a system will be placed in California's Genetic Disease Laboratory (GDL) located in Richmond, California, where trained scientists will oversee and analyse all of the results from the screening labs, and perform quality control oversight.
PerkinElmer will also provide California's contracted newborn screening laboratories with 17-OHP assay kits, which allows for the screening of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).
CAH can be fatal if left undetected. PerkinElmer anticipates that this system will be available for sale in late 2004 or early 2005.
"We are pleased to continue to support the state of California in its effort to develop a state-of-the-art newborn screening program," said Gregory Summe, PerkinElmer chairman and chief executive officer.
"By utilising PerkinElmer's leading-edge technology, an early detection programme allows for treatment and management options for a range of diseases, leading to an improved quality of life".
PerkinElmer claims to be is the world's leading supplier to newborn screening laboratories, saying that every baby screened in the USA today is tested with one of its products.
