CytoSure™ Services

CytoSure™ Services from Oxford Gene Technology (OGT) — provider of the world's leading high-throughput array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) service — offers a flexible and cost effective aCGH processing solution to suit your cytogenetic research requirements.

CytoSure Services delivers:

• Immediate and cost effective access to high resolution aCGH chromosome analysis
• Fast, reproducible and consistent high quality results without the costs associated with setting up aCGH in your laboratory
• The capacity to fulfil your entire current and future constitutional cytogenetic researchrequirements
• Peace-of-mind through complete sample tracking and expertise at every step of process
• An industry-leading aCGH analysis package with full complementary training and support

Cost effective cytogenetic analysis

aCGH is increasingly being recommended and used as a frontline test for cytogenetic research due to the substantial increase in overall resolution and accuracy when compared to traditional cytogenetic techniques such as karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).¹ This increased accuracy offers significant reductions in cost per result.

CytoSure Services enables you to immediately access and implement the latest aCGH technology without time consuming research or expensive investment in equipment and training.

Figure 1. Fast and reliable aCGH sample processing from extracted DNA to data transfer of your results.

Rapid delivery of high quality results

CytoSure Services utilizes OGT's CytoSure ISCA 8 x 60k array* which has been designed in collaboration with the International Standard Cytogenomic Array (ISCA) Consortium. The content for these arrays has been selected to enable reliable and reproducible identification of genetic aberrations. The arrays will be run in OGT's proven state-of-the-art genomics laboratory. Whether you outsource your entire constitutional cytogenetic research requirements or just your backlog samples, our high-throughput capacity ensures rapid delivery of your high-quality results.

Our genomic services laboratory specialises in handling, tracking and processing large numbers of samples. For example, OGT recently successfully processed over 20,000 samples in just 20 weeks for the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium, delivering high quality data to tight deadlines.

* CytoSure Services is now available for all CytoSure arrays. View a full list of CytoSure arrays.

Complete peace-of-mind

Elements of CytoSure Services - from DNA purification to interpretation.

Using OGT's bespoke LIMS software with over 40 quality checks per sample and a 360° audit trail (including reagents, consumables and equipment) we are able to monitor every step in the aCGH microarray workflow.  We have established a set of QC metrics specifically for CytoSure Services which enables you to have complete confidence in the quality, reproducibility and speed of our service.* Using OGT's CytoSure Interpret Software you will be able to accurately identify and report your aberrations with confidence.

* ISO 9001:2008 and ISO/IEC 27001:2005 certified management system

Our expert processing with your expert analysis

Your DNA samples, which benefit from full sample tracking, are firstly concentration normalised then labelled, hybridised, washed and scanned — with all essential steps being carried out in an ozone controlled environment. Data is then returned to you for your analysis using our industry-leading CytoSure Interpret Software. Full and complimentary software training and support are provided.

Automated aberration detection using CytoSure Interpret Software, showing clear detection of chromosomal abnormalities.

Simple and integrated workflow

An overview of the options available through CytoSure Services.

Sample purification and quality control

• Sample purification in your lab, optimised in consultation with OGT
• Secure shipping to OGT
• DNA quality checked and QC metrics reported
• Sample concentration normalised
• Samples transferred to 96-well plates

Array processing *

• Samples logged into LIMS
• Labelling reactions
• Hybridisation
• Washing, scanning and QC
• Data transferred to you

* Over 40 sample QC checks performed

Data interpretation

• Data returned for analysis in your lab initially using OGT's industry-leading CytoSure Interpret Software will be provided with full training.

References

1. Miller D. T. et al (2010) Am. J. Hum. Genet.