Highest Quality Imaging is Now Convenient, Flexible and Cost-effective for High-Volume Scanning

ISSAQUAH, Wash. - April 25, 2002 - Applied Precision, LLC automates the microarray scanning process with the introduction of the arrayWoRx^e Auto Biochip Reader. With the arrayWoRx^e Auto system, high-volume facilities can scan more conveniently and more affordably - and with the accurate and repeatable results of high-resolution white light imaging.

Automation increases productivity for core facilities and for users who require high-throughput biochip scan results. It frees users to focus on other tasks while their slides are being scanned, to run a batch load overnight unattended, and to analyze results from one slide without waiting for the entire batch to be completed. In core facilities where many researchers are vying for time in a shared scanner, this system can provide optimum efficiency of instrumentation and personnel. Automation is valuable in high-throughput labs as well, as reduced manual loading frees scientists to work on other important aspects of their research while experimental data is generated hands-free.

Set unique parameters for each slide to increase flexibility
The arrayWoRx^e Auto system enables users to set different scanning parameters - including channel intensity balance, scan area, wavelength selection and resolution settings - for each slide in a batch scan. "Our customers can quickly assign unique scanning parameters to each slide in the 25-slide cassette, instead of using only one set of parameters for the whole batch," explains Mark Rand, Ph.D., senior product manager for Applied Precision. "This gives much greater flexibility than other scanners on the market, which limit researchers to using only one set of parameters to scan a batch of slides. For core labs, the ability to uniquely assign scanning parameters provides real value as many users will be doing different experiments."

The arrayWoRx^e Auto system offers a highly flexible imaging solution for many of the current and emerging microarray technologies. The system can scan beads, photolithography, tissue arrays and protein arrays with a range of up to 89 fluorescent dyes, as well as more traditional microarray preparations. The scanner can collect up to four wavelengths per slide, in spectral ranges from ultraviolet to near infrared. In addition, the arrayWoRx^e Auto scanner is a highly affordable solution for automated scanning.

Real-world laboratory validation
Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) BioMicro Center conducted extensive tests of the arrayWoRx^e Auto Biochip Reader under normal lab working conditions. In addition to scanning hybridized slides, MIT scientists used the system as a quality control tool for pre-hybridized slides. During a slide print run, humidity problems had caused some of the spots to smear. By scanning the slides in a batch prior to hybridization, scientists were able to identify problematic slides before they were sold and distributed to customers. Rand explained, "The automated capability of the system greatly simplified quality control and allowed the BioMicro Center to monitor printed spot morphology before going through the expensive step of hybridization. We believe this capability discovered at MIT might also be usefully implemented by the pharmaceutical industry and other areas."

About Applied Precision, LLC

Applied Precision develops measurement, analysis and process control systems for biomedical and biotechnology imaging and analysis systems (with particular focus on live-cell microscopy, genomics and proteomics), semiconductor wafer test, and precision motion control components. Applied Precision's specialized products are based on precisionware^TM, the company's unique convergence of mechanics, electronics, optics and software. Applied Precision has been enabling advancements in the world’s core technologies since its inception in 1985. Applied Precision (www.appliedprecision.com) can be reached in the United States at (425) 557-1000 or in the United Kingdom at + 44 1672 518350.

Contacts:

For Applied Precision
BRW LeGrand
Lisa Miller or Jason Rodman
Tel: 303.298.8470
E-mail: lmiller@brwlegrand.com

Applied Precision
Brent Navran, Product Line Manager - Life Sciences
Tel: 425.557.1000
E-mail: bnavran@api.com