Vela Diagnostics has launched its Sentosa SQ HCV genotyping assay, which uses next-generation sequencing to genotype hepatitis C virus, to early access customers for research use only. The assay works with plasma or serum and detects genotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and subtypes 1a and 1b by targeting the NS5A and NS5B regions. It has a limit of detection of 1,000 international units per milliliter for genotypes 1a, 1b, 2, 3, and 4, and 2,000 IU/ml for genotypes 5 and 6. The accuracy rate is 100 percent for HCV genotyping 1a, 1b, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 with 99.2 percent reproducibility.
Diploid has launched its genome interpretation service for analysis of next-generation sequencing data, annotation, and to identify novel and known pathogenic variants underlying rare genetic conditions. Prices for the interpretation service start at $740 per sample for either exome or whole-genome data. Turnaround time is 14 days. Customers submit raw genetic data in either a vcf or bam file.