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First European Company Obtains CE-IVD Mark for Clinical Use of Next Generation Sequencing Bioinformatics Pipeline

Sophia Genetics
7 Sept 2014
Sonia Nicholas
Managing Editor and Clinical Lead

Product news

Shortly after receiving ISO 13485 accreditation, Sophia Genetics has become the first European company to obtain a CE-IVD mark for the clinical use of a Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) bioinformatic pipeline for routine genetic testing. This quality assurance certification represents an important step in raising the standards of routine genetic testing and clinical diagnosis, and brings Sophia Genetics’ world-leading Data Driven Medicine platform to a wider market.

The certification also means that Sophia Genetics’ proven quality assurance methodology can now be leveraged by clinical laboratories to meet their own quality assurance requirements. Using Sophia Genetics’ service, clinical laboratories gain access to quality assurance expertise, facilitating both cost-saving and time-efficient filing for ISO 15189 accreditation and compliance with the new CE-IVD Directive. Sophia Genetics will seek to obtain the CE-IVD mark for all of the genetic tests it supports.

Jurgi Camblong, CEO of Sophia Genetics, said: “The barrier to wider adoption of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) data for the routine genetic testing of patients has historically been the challenge associated with analysing data. At Sophia Genetics we understand the complexity of NGS data and the need to analyse this data to a clinical standard. We have designed solutions to address even the most difficult data analysis problems that existing bioinformatics software programs are not able to solve, making NGS genetic testing much simpler, faster and easier for our lab customers.”

About ISO 13485

ISO 13485:2003 specifies requirements for a quality management system where an organisation needs to demonstrate its ability to provide medical devices and related services that consistently meet customer requirements and regulatory requirements applicable to medical devices and related services.

About CE-IVD

The CE-mark (CE-IVD) indicates that an IVD device complies with the European In Vitro Diagnostics Directive (98/79/EC), and that the device may be legally commercialized and distributed in the EU.

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Genome AnalysisGenomics, the study of genomes, includes functional genomics, evolutionary genomics and comparative genomics. There are many genomic technologies such as DNA sequencing of whole genomes, computational biology and bioinformatics. DNA and nucleic acids must be isolated and concentrated from cells for analysis with kits, automated analyzers and software. Other useful technologies for studying genomics include PCR, microarrays and electrophoresis.HematologyIn Haematology / Hematology, complete blood cell counts (or full blood counts) are obtained using automated blood count analyzers to enumerate blood cell types.  Hematology also encompasses haemostasis and coagulation, thrombophilia and hemophilia, plasma viscosity and ESR analysis, hemoglobinopathies, cell morphology and haematinic measurement.ImmunologyImmunological techniques measure and characterize immune responses. Immunology kits and analysis systems often use techniques such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunodiffusion assays, Immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Immunologists use equipment such as flow Cytometers, plate readers, plate washers and fluorescent microscopes.DNA SequencingDNA sequencing, such as sanger sequencing, is a biological technique that determines the precise order of nucleotide bases in a fragment or template of DNA. DNA sequencers and genetic analyzers are based on capillary electrophoresis, where labeled DNA fragments are electrophoretically separated by size as they migrate through a polymer. Find the best DNA sequencing products, including DNA sequencing kits, genomic libraries and genetic identity kits in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Gene Expression and Molecular CloningMolecular cloning is a set of techniques that utilizes vectors to transfer recombinant DNA into host cells and is an essential tool for investigating the expression of genes and proteins in bacterial or mammalian cells. A variety of vectors optimized for gene cloning and expression in a range of host organisms are available, alongside competent cells for genetic replication. Here, you can explore a range of molecular tools, high-quality genomic and cDNA libraries, premade clones, transformation and transfection reagents and mutagenesis or gene expression detection assays and expression arrays. Find the best gene expression and molecular cloning products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Clinical GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.Next Generation SequencingNext-generation sequencing (NGS), also known as whole-genome sequencing, high-throughput sequencing and massive parallel sequencing, produces and analyses thousands to millions of nucleotide sequences at once. Sequencing systems operate via varying technologies depending on the manufacturer, including sequencing by synthesis, ligation, pyrosequencing, ion semiconductor and single-molecule real-time sequencing. For NGS, library preparation is paramount to successful sequencing. In this section, explore a range of library preparation kits, from targeted, amplicon-based or hybridization-based kits including epigenomic, transcriptomic and genomic workflows to fragmentation kits. Find the best next-generation sequencing products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Clinical NGSNext Generation Sequencing (NGS) refers to the use of massive parallel sequencing of multiple small fragments of DNA. This high-throughput genomic analysis yields enormous amounts of sequence data, which if appropriately analyzed could have huge potential for clinical laboratories. For this to happen there are technique and bioinformatic hurdles to be overcome.

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