Applied Biosystems PCR instrument gets new leukaemia test

Applied Biosystems’ 7500 Fast Dx Real-Time PCR Instrument has had a new leukaemia test added to the range of products with which it is compatible.

The BCR/ABL1 Quant Test has been launched in Europe by Applied Biosystems brand owner Life Technologies, in association with diagnostic development company and pharmaceutical services provider Asuragen.

It has been granted European CE-mark accreditation and is designed to help clinicians establish the most effective means of treating patients for chronic myeloid leukaemia via analysis of BCR-ABL1 to ABL1 ratio in whole blood or bone marrow samples.

The manufacturers state that monitoring of this factor can prove useful when administering Gleevec, Tasigna, Sutent and Sprycell treatment regimes.

Kimberlee Caple, head of molecular medicine products for Life Technologies, said: “Using genetic markers such as these to aid clinicians in monitoring disease progression is an important step in the evolution of personalised medicine.”

Earlier this month, Life Technologies announced the launch of the Applied Biosystems Cell Culture Rapid Methods Program, which allows pharmaceutical manufacturers to detect common contaminants more easily.