MultiPrep, Cytogenetic Automation

A SMART award was made to GGS for its innovative developments in the design and commercialisation of Cytogenetic Automation systems to automate the processes used in producing microscopic slides containing high quality preparations of chromosomes for cytogenetic analysis and diagnosis of disease. GGS’s cytogenetic automation project is ongoing and is being conducted in collaboration with Wessex Regional Genetics Laboratory at Salisbury District Hospital - appointed as a UK Reference Centre for Cytogenetics by the Department of Health in 2002.

The first automation module arising from the project - the MultiPrep Robotic Harvester has been specifically designed for harvesting metaphases from prenatal surface cultures. The product is now commercially available. The MultiPrep Robotic Harvester enjoyed its first commercial outing at the Association of Genetic Technologists (AGT) Conference held in June 2003 in Atlanta, GA - where it received the prestigious Technology Application Transfer award bestowed on the Company by the American Foundation of Genetic Technology.