Genisphere last week launched its RampUP two-round linear RNA amplification kit. The kit is designed to be used with intact or degraded RNA samples, such as those extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues or collected from cells through laser capture microdissection.
According to Genisphere, the RampUP kit uses its tandem RNA polymerase promoters and can yield amplified RNA adaptable to any RNA expression platform, including qRT-PCR, glass microarrays, or Affymetrix GeneChips.
Progenika recently launched its Bloodchip, an allele-specific oligonucleotide array designed to determine blood groups by genotyping.
The current version of the array tests for the blood groups MNS, Dombrock, Kidd, Duffy, RhCE, Diego, Colton and Kell, blood groups. A test for the RhD and ABO blood groups will be added soon, the company said.
The Derio, Spain-based firm claims that the array can enable clinicians to avoid the adverse reactions that occur in patients that receive blood products.
Bloodchip is sold as a kit comprising the chip and all reagents for sample preparation with the exception of DNA preparation. The company recommends the use of Ventana Medical Systems’ Discovery Hybridization Station for the hybridization step.