Liquid-Handling Workstations Automate Multi-Gene Expression Assay Development

Liquid-handling workstations will be used to automate the development of multi-gene expression assays that predict the risk of recurrence of cancer and the likelihood of chemotherapy benefit.

A gene panel has already been developed to quantify recurrence risk in early-stage breast cancer patients. Another 761 genes are being studied in an initial screen to create a gene profile for an assay to test for risk of recurrence of another cancer type.

Scientists at the life sciences company Genomic Health, Inc. (Redwood City, CA, USA) chose Tecan's (Männedorf, Switzerland) liquid-handling workstations to automate the development of its multi-gene expression assays. Jay Snable, Genomic Health's director of process automation, explained, "We needed automated systems for our ongoing assay development and we chose Tecan for its highly flexible technology. Tecan provided the best solutions for handling all the different formats we need, from single tubes through to 384-well microplates, in a highly integrated system with quality controls all the way.”

Based on Tecan's Freedom Evo 200 and Genesis platforms, all assay steps after RNA extraction are automated, from RNA quantification and quality control, reverse transcription, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay assembly. The workstations are also equipped with a PosID system for automated barcode scanning and identification to track individual samples through all the assay steps.

Tecan supplies systems for the diagnostic, forensic, and biopharma, industries. The company produces, and distributes advanced automation and detection systems for life science laboratories. Through its Remp subsidiary, Tecan supplies large-scale automated laboratory storage and logistics systems.


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