Magnetic Particle Processor, Automated Screening System Launched by Thermo

Thermo BioAnalysis Corp. (Santa Fe, NM) has launched two new products for genetic research: KingFisher, a fully automated system for purifying and processing single-stranded DNA, and DASH, an automated screening system for the detection of defects in genes.

The KingFisher magnetic particle processor, which was introduced in April, uses a patent-pending magnetic particle-separation technique to purify some 300 DNA samples per day—twice the throughput of a manual system—without the need for constant supervision. The purification and processing of DNA into single strands is a necessary step prior to such research activities as DNA sequencing.

DASH, installed at beta sites in Germany, the UK, and the US, is a system used to probe DNA for single base-pair sequence variations—called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The presence of SNPs in particular genes can directly cause, or contribute to, genetic disorders or disease susceptibility.

Thermo BioAnalysis Corp. develops, manufactures, and supplies a broad range of products, including biomolecular instruments and consumables, clinical laboratory equipment and supplies, and information-management systems that are used in biochemical research, clinical diagnosis, and pharmaceutical production.

For more information: Colin Maddix, President and CEO, Thermo BioAnalysis Corp., 504 Airport Rd., Santa Fe, NM 87504-2108. Tel: 508-528-0551. Fax: 505-473-9221.