LabMedica

Download Mobile App
Recent News Expo Clinical Chem. Molecular Diagnostics Hematology Immunology Microbiology Pathology Technology Industry Focus

Automated RNA Extraction from Plasma Analytically Validated

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 28 Nov 2017
Print article
Image: Sample application for a VeriStrat assay. The assay provides highly sensitive results in 72 hours for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients (Photo courtesy of Biodesix).
Image: Sample application for a VeriStrat assay. The assay provides highly sensitive results in 72 hours for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients (Photo courtesy of Biodesix).
A novel, automated method for extracting circulating RNA from plasma has been demonstrated and the method performed equivalently or better than the established manual method that is currently used.

A team of scientists utilized a commercially-available laboratory developed test (LDT) for echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4-ALK) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) fusion variants as a reference assay to assess the performance of an automated solution for RNA extraction that was developed and optimized by Norgen Biotek Corporation (Thorold, ON, Canada). Results suggest that the automated method performed at least equivalently to the established manual method on all measures in the study, including quality and yield of mRNA from analytic blood samples.

The GeneStrat test (Biodesix, Boulder, CO, USA) is a blood-based genomic test for patients with lung cancer that can inform the use of targeted therapies; test results are available within 72 hours. The test delivers results for EGFR sensitizing; EGFR resistance (T790M), KRAS, and BRAF mutations; and EML4-ALK, ROS1 and RETS fusion variants. The liquid biopsy test measures circulating tumor DNA and RNA with a highly-sensitive droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) platform.

Gary Pestano, PhD, Vice President of Development and Operations at Biodesix, said, “As molecular testing becomes the standard in oncology, automation will be increasingly important to help us maintain the high quality of our test results and continue to meet our industry-leading 72-hour turnaround time. The data presented suggest that it is possible to automate testing without sacrificing performance. They represent one of many evaluations we are conducting to assess potential automation methods for the Biodesix Lung Reflex with both our GeneStrat and VeriStrat tests.” The study was presented at the Association for Molecular Pathology Annual Meeting held November 16-18, 2017, in Salt Lake City, UT, USA.

Related Links:
Norgen Biotek
Biodesix
Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Magnetic Bead Separation Modules
MAG and HEATMAG
Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Test
GPP-100 Anti-CCP Kit
New
Gold Member
Fully Automated Cell Density/Viability Analyzer
BioProfile FAST CDV

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The 3D printed miniature ionizer is a key component of a mass spectrometer (Photo courtesy of MIT)

3D Printed Point-Of-Care Mass Spectrometer Outperforms State-Of-The-Art Models

Mass spectrometry is a precise technique for identifying the chemical components of a sample and has significant potential for monitoring chronic illness health states, such as measuring hormone levels... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The CAPILLARYS 3 DBS devices have received U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance (Photo courtesy of Sebia)

Next Generation Instrument Screens for Hemoglobin Disorders in Newborns

Hemoglobinopathies, the most widespread inherited conditions globally, affect about 7% of the population as carriers, with 2.7% of newborns being born with these conditions. The spectrum of clinical manifestations... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The AI predictive model identifies the most potent cancer killing immune cells for use in immunotherapies (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

AI Predicts Tumor-Killing Cells with High Accuracy

Cellular immunotherapy involves extracting immune cells from a patient's tumor, potentially enhancing their cancer-fighting capabilities through engineering, and then expanding and reintroducing them into the body.... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The T-SPOT.TB test is now paired with the Auto-Pure 2400 liquid handling platform for accurate TB testing (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Integrated Solution Ushers New Era of Automated Tuberculosis Testing

Tuberculosis (TB) is responsible for 1.3 million deaths every year, positioning it as one of the top killers globally due to a single infectious agent. In 2022, around 10.6 million people were diagnosed... Read more