Fluidigm Corporation and BIOKÉ, distributor of Fluidigm systems in the Benelux, have announced that Leiden University Medical Center's (LUMC) Human Genetics Department has purchased a Fluidigm Access Array^TM system. The Access Array system enables users to automatically prepare sequencing-ready libraries from up to 48 individual samples at a time, for as little as €7 (EURO) per sample.

"LUMC will use the Fluidigm Access Array system to get reliable amplification of individual gene segments. While the samples are being amplified, they are individually tagged so the various samples can later be identified after simultaneous processing in our next-generation sequencer. This will reduce our overall cost and time-to-results for genetic diagnostics," said Johan den Dunnen, head of the Research Facility, the Leiden Genome Technology Center (LGTC).

"Amplification of individual samples and gene segments is laborious, time-consuming and costly," explained den Dunnen. "Samples need to be combined in equimolar amounts to achieve equal coverage when sequenced in a mix. Our early results are promising and we expect the Access Array system to help us achieve equal yields and even coverage from these combined samples after sequencing."

"We don't make nextgen sequencers, but Fluidigm's Access Array system does make those sequencers work better. Our Access Array technology simplifies the up-front preparation and maximizes the utility of today's next generation sequencers," said Mike Lee, Fluidigm's Senior Director of Marketing.

The Fluidigm Access Array System can be used with any PCR-based sample preparation method and with the reagents and primers of the customer's choosing. The Access Array system includes specific single-use microfluidic integrated fluidic circuits (IFCs), two IFC Controllers, and a Stand-Alone Thermal Cycler to deliver results in just four hours.

The 48.48 Access Array IFC is the first chip that features the ability to recover reaction products automatically.  Once sample processing has been completed, the IFC automatically returns the samples to inlets from which they can be easily extracted and readied for sequencing.

Fluidigm develops, manufactures and markets proprietary Integrated Fluidic Circuit (IFC) systems that significantly improve productivity in life science research. Fluidigm's IFCs enable the simultaneous performance of thousands of sophisticated biochemical measurements in extremely minute volumes. These "integrated circuits for biology" are made possible by miniaturizing and integrating liquid handling components on a single microfluidic device (IFC). Fluidigm's systems, consisting of instrumentation, software and single-use chips, increase throughput, decrease costs and enhance sensitivity compared to conventional laboratory systems. Fluidigm products have not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as a diagnostic and are only available for research use.

For more information, please visit www.fluidigm.com

*  Fluidigm, the Fluidigm logo, BioMark, Dynamic Arrayand Digital Array are trademarks of Fluidigm Corporation and all other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.