Affymetrix: Jan 31, 2003

Affymetrix released the technical specifications for its GeneChip Scanner 3000, which will be introduced in February at the Lab Automation trade show. The company says the scanner will be up to 50 percent faster in processing its standard arrays, scanning at a rate of 5.5 minutes for standard Affymetrix chips, using a solid-state green laser without a separate laser power supply. The machine will also accept an autoloader, which is expected to be available in August 2003. The scanner has a footprint of 13x22x18 inches and weighs 70 pounds. It will not support HuSNP probe arrays, and fluorescently-labeled arrays such as GeneChip p52, GeneChip p53, GeneChip CYP450 and the GenFlex Tag arrays, the company said.