Better by design — a key CytoSure advantage
From initial concept though to final product, CytoSure arrays are uniquely designed to ensure reproducible high quality data. In addition, Oxford Gene Technology’s (OGT) management system is certified to ISO 9001:2008 so you can be sure of the highest quality products and customer service.
We work in close collaboration with leading experts to identify and select informative content for our CytoSure arrays. The probes for each array are taken from the Oligome™, OGT’s proprietary database containing more than 23 million optimised 60mer probes covering both strands of the human genome. The precise parameters used to select genome wide high quality aCGH probe content for the Oligome were established though many rounds of empirical optimization — ensuring only highly specific and informative probes are available for selection. 60mer probes have been proven to offer superior detection sensitivity and specificity in comparison to shorter oligonucleotide probes.* OGT customers can also benefit from the Oligome for custom array designs.
To further enhance the performance of CytoSure arrays, especially for challenging samples (e.g. low concentration or low purity samples), multiple alternatives for every single probe are experimentally validated. Arrays containing alternative probe designs are manufactured and hybridised under identical conditions using cytogenetic samples. Based on the resulting data, the performance of each probe is carefully evaluated and only the best performing probes are selected for inclusion in the final product.
This empirical probe optimization process yields arrays with noticeably higher signal to noise levels due to increased signal intensities and probe specificity. The reduced levels of ambiguity aids data interpretation thereby saving valuable time and providing confidence in results.
All CytoSure arrays, including our CytoSure ISCA products, undergo this rigorous design process to ensure optimal performance. Coupled with our powerful CytoSure Interpret Software, labelling kits and automation options, CytoSure arrays provide the complete solution for cytogenetics.
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* Curtis, C. et al (2009) BMC Genomics 10, 588
Figure 1: CytoSure arrays have double-validated content — undergoing two separate in silico and empirical optimisation steps to ensure accurate and confident detection of syndrome-related aberrations.
CytoSure™ products and Genefficiency™ NGS browser are for research use only; not for use in diagnostic procedures.
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