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ArcherDX Launches PreSeq™ for FFPE Input QCToday, ArcherDX launched Archer™ PreSeq™ QC Assays, which assess the quality of nucleic acid in FFPE samples prior to library creation for next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based mutation detection. "NGS is an extremely effective way to find oncogenic driver mutations in a tumor specimen, but analytical sensitivity and specificity are dependent upon the quality of the sample. PreSeq assays provide users the ability to assess the quality of nucleic acid in a specimen before beginning time-consuming and costly library preparation," says Josh Stahl, Vice-President of R&D and Scientific Operations at ArcherDX. PreSeq QC assays are available for both RNA and DNA inputs, and they integrate into the Archer FusionPlex™ (RNA input) and VariantPlex™ (DNA input) Assay workflows. FusionPlex and VariantPlex assays detect gene fusions, copy number variations (CNVs) and point mutations that drive tumor growth and progression. PreSeq assays can also be used independent of Archer NGS library preparation panels. PreSeq assays utilize qPCR to measure the quantity of nucleic acid that is of sufficient quality to be amplified into a library that will produce useful NGS data. The assays help predit successful library construction and provide sample-specific input recommendations to rescue low-quality samples. The QC score generated with the PreSeq DNA Assay correlates with library complexity metrics generated using the Archer Analysis bioinformatics platform. The QC score also correlates with the accuracy of mutation detection, which enables independent measurement of confidence in variant calling and improves analytical sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Similarly, the PreSeq RNA QC Assay predicts the amount of amplifiable cDNA template suitable for fusion detection, thereby predicting fusion assay sensitivity and specificity. About ArcherDX ArcherDX addresses the bottlenecks associated with using NGS in translational research by offering a robust platform for targeted sequencing applications. By combining proprietary Anchored Multiplexed PCR (News - Alert) (AMP™) chemistry and easy-to-use, lyophilized reagents, Archer NGS assays generate highly enriched sequencing libraries to detect gene fusions, SNVs, indels and CNVs. Complemented by the Archer suite of bioinformatics software, ArcherDX technology dramatically enhances complex mutation identification and discovery. ArcherDX is headquartered in Boulder, Colo., and maintains manufacturing operations in Beverly, Mass. www.archerdx.com Note: Archer kits and analysis software are for research use only and not for use in diagnostic procedures. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150818005535/en/ |
