Sheffield NHS Lab Moves to Advanced Micorarrays Platform

A case study discusses Sheffield laboratory’s experience of switching to a more efficient and reliable microarrays platform for cytogenetic research.

Advances in array design and analysis capabilities mean that choosing a platform can be challenging. A new case study by Oxford Gene Technology (OGT; Oxfordshire, UK) explores how Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust (UK) has seamlessly transferred to its CytoSure ISCA 8x60k platform. Upon a highly stringent National Health Service (NHS, UK) tender for the supply of oligo-based cytogenetics research arrays, CytoSure was selected based on the quality of data and analysis software. It was the only platform able to correctly identify all the genetic abnormalities tested.

The NHS carried out a comprehensive comparison of multiple array platforms in order to select the most effective solution (considering quality of results, ease of use and cost) via a consortium led by four prominent laboratories. Chosen over alternatives, the success of the CytoSure ISCA array, designed in partnership with the International Collaboration for Clinical Genomics (ICCG), was attributed to a combination of the array and CytoSure Interpret Software performance. Every lab submitted a set of challenging samples to be processed by OGT, and the results came back clean and clear, with the data interpretation software greatly facilitating analysis.

Maintaining productivity within the laboratory, OGT worked hard to ensure a seamless transfer process. In addition to getting the new system itself up and running, the team also provided on-site operational training, software tutorials, and transfer of local legacy data to the CytoSure Interpret Software database. “I can only be extremely positive about the whole process of switching to OGT’s CytoSure platform, so if anyone asks me if it’s worth the time and effort of transferring, the answer is a clear yes,” said Kath Smith, consultant clinical scientist at Sheffield’s. James Clough, Executive Vice President Commercial at OGT, commented, “It’s a pleasure to welcome Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust to OGT. Customer satisfaction is extremely important to us, so it’s great to get such positive feedback on our products and support. It’s a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication.”

A 3 month data audit has revealed more accurate aneuploidy calling, leading to fewer uncertain cases and saving time and resources involved in follow-up investigations. The switch has also benefited Sheffield’s lab from the practicality of high-throughput plate-based labeling through to enhancing its overall operation in a more cost-effective manner.

CytoSure is provided under an agreement between Agilent Technologies and OGT. The product is for research use only and not for diagnostic or other medical use.

Related Links:
Oxford Gene Technology
Evaluating and switching to CytoSure microarrays, OGT case study