Digital Multiplexing System Helps Diagnose Autoimmune Disease

A digital multiplexing solution enables hundreds of tests to be performed simultaneously in a single assay using a microscopic bar coding system.

The UltraPlex antinuclear antibody (ANA) assay consists of 11 tests, providing time and cost savings compared to serial testing approaches or current multiplexing methods. It allows hospitals and laboratories to perform fully automated tests on patient samples and gives both quantitative and qualitative results for antibodies in autoimmune diseases.

The assay was developed and manufactured by Prognostics Ltd. (Cambridge, UK), a developer and manufacturer of next generation diagnostics for healthcare providers. Pronostics has signed a deal with University of Birmingham Medical School (UBMS; Birmingham, UK) to provide UBMS clinical immunology service with its fully automated UltraPlex system and ANA Assay for the diagnosis of autoimmune disease. This follows an independent trial at UBMS in 2007, which compared Pronostics' UltraPlex ANA assay with existing testing methods employed. The UltraPlex solution eliminates the possibility of subjective errors, removes non-specific positive results, and focuses on clinically significant results, with known disease association. Its introduction will also significantly reduce test turnaround times.

Rob Booth, CEO of Pronostics commented: "The great thing about UltraPlex is that it provides significant time and cost savings which benefit hospitals and patients alike. Hospitals save money, waiting times are reduced, and patients are diagnosed sooner.”

During the coming year Pronostics will launch assays in the cardiovascular and cancer disease areas to supplement its autoimmune range, which currently includes ANA, coeliac, and thyroid assays.


Related Links:
University of Birmingham Medical School
Prognostics