System Simultaneously Quantifies mRNA, microRNA, and DNA

A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) platform simultaneously detects and quantifies disparate target types, such as mRNA, miRNA, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and DNA.

Called ICEPlex, the open platform will enable clinical labs to develop cost-effective, high impact molecular diagnostic tests easily. ICEPlex is an automated high throughput, high multiplex, molecular testing system based on Scalable Target Amplification Routine (STAR) technology. A stand-alone bench-top analyzer, it is capable of running up to 96 samples (including controls) and reporting on up to 60 targets in each in less than four hrs.

Because of the high level of multiplex enabled by STAR, multiple standards and calibrants are included in each sample along with primers for the intended targets. These are employed to enable reliable and sensitive detection of targets and accurate quantitative determinations of target load.

PrimeraDx (Mansfield, MA, USA) launched the ICEPlex system, which allows users to take one slice of tissue, extract the nucleic acids, and in one well in parallel, look at mRNA expression, microRNA expression, and SNPs.

Andrew Schade, MD, PhD, senior director of Lilly Clinical Diagnostics Laboratory (Indianapolis, IN, USA) commented, “The ICEPlex system is already changing the way we approach assay development, allowing us to create innovative solutions that were previously not possible.”

Related Links:
PrimeraDx
Lilly Clinical Diagnostics Laboratory