Illumina Launches the iScan™ System

Illumina, Inc. has launched the iScan System, a next-generation scanner that can provide researchers conducting genotyping and gene expression studies with greater throughput, enhanced automation, and improved ease of use, the company claims.

When used with the recently launched Infinium® High-Density (HD) Human1M-Duo and Human610-Quad Genotyping BeadChips, and Illumina’s laboratory information management systems and automation options, the iScan System can complete genotyping studies up to six times faster than studies run on Illumina’s BeadStation.

Under an Early Access Program, Illumina began shipping the iScan System in Q1 2008 to customers in both the academic and industrial sector. Among them were Scripps Genomics Medicine and Translational Science Institute and Cogenics. Cogenics is a division of Clinical Data and plans to use the iScan System to bolster their services offerings. Illumina will commence broad commercial shipment of the iScan System in Q2 2008.

“As our products become more complex, especially in the areas of high-density genotyping, copy number variation analysis, and gene expression profiling, it is important to have a scanner that keeps pace with the needs of genetic research,” says Jay Flatley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Illumina.

“The iScan System offers researchers a next-generation microarray scanner that incorporates higher-performance optics and detection technology. Using our multi-sample iSelect™ BeadChip, researchers can process 120 samples in just 60 minutes, producing results in record time. This directly translates into faster project completion, faster study publication, and reduced study costs,” Flately added.

Researchers at Scripps Genomics Medicine and Translational Science Institute are using the iScan System along with the Human610-Quad BeadChips to identify genetic determinants of cardiovascular disease towards more effective diagnostics and preventive strategies for this global health problem. After scanning fewer than 100 BeadChips, Scripps researchers have reported call rates averaging 99.8 percent, which are consistent with Illumina’s existing high call rates for the BeadStation.

The iScan System is a high-resolution scanner that is designed supports accurate imaging of Illumina’s BeadChip-based genetic analysis products. Using sub-micron resolution, assay automation, and laboratory information management systems options, researchers can produce up to 225 million genotypes per day with one scanner.