Assays
Primers and Probes in Diagnostic Assays
Advanced Solutions from Eurofins Genomics
Introduction
In the rapidly evolving field of diagnostic assays, the precision and reliability of results are paramount. At Eurofins Genomics, we specialize in providing high-quality oligonucleotides and probes designed to enhance the performance of diagnostic assays. Our advanced solutions are tailored to meet the needs of modern diagnostics, facilitating accurate and efficient detection of a wide range of biomarkers and pathogens.
Oligonucleotides in Diagnostic Assays
Oligonucleotides are short sequences of nucleic acids that play a crucial role in the development of diagnostic assays. Their primary functions include:
- Target Specificity: Our custom-designed oligonucleotides are engineered to specifically bind to target sequences, ensuring high specificity in detecting genetic material from various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
- Amplification: Used in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, our oligonucleotides facilitate the amplification of nucleic acids, allowing for the detection of low-abundance targets with high sensitivity.
- Sequencing: In next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays, our oligonucleotides are integral to preparing libraries for sequencing, ensuring accurate and reliable genetic analysis.
Probes in Diagnostic Assays
Probes are critical components of diagnostic assays, providing the means for specific and quantitative detection of target molecules. Our probes offer:
- Fluorescence-Based Detection: Utilizing fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) or similar technologies, our probes enable real-time monitoring of nucleic acid hybridization, enhancing the dynamic range and sensitivity of assays.
- Electrochemical Detection: For applications requiring label-free detection, our electrochemical probes offer a robust alternative, delivering high-performance results in a variety of diagnostic settings.
- Enhanced Stability: Our probes are designed to maintain stability and functionality under a wide range of conditions, ensuring reliable performance in both research and clinical environments.
Applications of Diagnostic Assays
Our oligonucleotides and probes are used in various diagnostic applications, including:
- Infectious Disease Testing: Our products are employed in assays for the detection and quantification of pathogens, such as viruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, HIV), bacteria (e.g., Mycobacterium tuberculosis), and other microorganisms.
- Genetic Disorders: Diagnostic assays for genetic disorders benefit from our oligonucleotides and probes, which are used to identify mutations and variations in genes associated with conditions such as cystic fibrosis and cancer.
- Cancer Diagnostics: Our solutions support assays that detect genetic markers and mutations relevant to cancer diagnosis and prognosis, aiding in personalized treatment strategies.
- Biomarker Discovery: Researchers use our oligonucleotides and probes to identify and validate novel biomarkers, advancing the development of new diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions.
Why Choose Eurofins Genomics?
At Eurofins Genomics, we are committed to advancing the field of diagnostics through innovation and quality. Our oligonucleotides and probes are:
- Customizable: Tailored to meet specific assay requirements, ensuring optimal performance.
- High-Quality: Manufactured under rigorous quality control standards to guarantee consistency and reliability.
- Supported by Expertise: Backed by a team of scientists with extensive experience in diagnostic assay development.
We have worked with a wide variety of commercial companies developing assays for diagnostic tests
Assay validation is based on established techniques such as:
Trust in our experience in assay development, including genotyping assays and gene expression assays.
After successful completion of assay development and validation it is documented in a report. The newly developed and validated assays can then be used at Eurofins Genomics for the analysis of customer-specific sample groups. Alternatively, they can be transferred to the customer or any third party for subsequent analyses. The customer can select specific candidate genes, containing, for example, certain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and/or defined alleles as a basis for new genotyping assays to be developed.
The defined genetic variants and/or alleles may either be already known (from literature or from databases) or may be the result of previous candidate gene analyses performed by Eurofins Genomics for the customer. This may include genetic variants, for which a causal link to a certain drug effect could be shown.
The customer can define certain target genes or target gene groups to be analyzed quantitatively within the scope of the pre-clinical phase of drug development. Assay development and validation for gene-specific primer-probe combinations are performed for this purpose at Eurofins.
Alternatively, pre-developed commercially available Real-Time PCR assays can be used. They are then verified or validated at Eurofins Genomics. These assays allow quantitative gene expression analyses by Real-Time PCR for the respective gene in the provided sample groups, prior to and after administration of agent candidates.
Eurofins Genomics is certified according to cGMP, GLP, CAP, CLIA, ISO 9001, ISO 13485 and ISO 17025 and audited by pharmaceutical clients.
Learn more about developing a custom assay by visiting the Molecular Diagnostics webpage.
Contact Us
For more information on how our oligonucleotides and probes can enhance your diagnostic assays, please contact us. Our team is ready to assist with your specific needs and provide solutions that drive accuracy and efficiency in your diagnostic applications.