New improved iCS-digital™ PSC test!

Our flagship assay, the iCS-digital™ PSC test has undergone a significant design change. The upgrades we have implemented ensure this assay remains a cutting-edge genomic stability assay for hPSC research scientists.

Why an upgrade?

Our clients expect our tests to be the most up-to-date in respect of the latest published scientific knowledge available. To meet their expectations, we review and update our tests as soon as new main abnormalities emerge from scientific publications. This is part of our R&D ongoing and continuous improvement program.

The latest implemented design upgrade of the iCS-digital™ PSC test is of greater significance than previous ones. As a result, we believe it warrants specific communication, especially to the current users.

What has changed?

• SMART DB update: In order to incorporate the latest findings regarding the most recurrent abnormalities observed in hPSCs, Stem Genomics specifically analyzed the data from 132 scientific publications concerning 1485 hPSC samples. After exclusion of polymorphic variants, we highlighted the presence of 949 recurrent genetic abnormalities (i.e., genomic defects found in at least five different publications). This is versus a coverage of 738 genetic defects in the previous test version.
• Additional probes: the iCS-digital™ PSC test will now include 28 probes versus the previous 24. This makes it possible to target 4 new locations, the 12q, 9p, 20p, and Yp, to provide a check on cell line gender along with some optimization of current probes (7 in total). We have observed some significant improvements in the probes’ performance as a result.

Overall, this new design achieves 93% detection of recurrent genomic abnormalities versus the 90% claimed in the previous version. It also provides greater detection precision and up-to-date detection of the most recurrent abnormalities as described in the scientific literature.

• Digital PCR machine: improvements are also taking place in the equipment we use. In order to keep up with the latest available technology, we are now performing our analyses on Bio-Rad QX600. The most noticeable client advantage is the introduction of the 6-colour wells that are significantly increasing our throughput.

What has not changed?

• Lead-times: we still deliver our results back to you within 3 days (based on our track record, we could claim 2, but we would rather under-promise and over-deliver!)
• Straightforward and interpreted report: this is a very valuable feature of our service to our clients that has absolutely been maintained in this latest test version!
• 24-probe kit: most of our clients still work on previous Bio-Rad machines. We will therefore continue to support the 24-probe kit version and will be looking at a future introduction of the 28-probe kit as an additional option.

Questions?

We understand that change can be daunting, and although we are positive this latest assay version will offer you better performance and increased confidence in your research work, we want to encourage whatever questions you may have on this latest upgrade. To facilitate communication, our digital PCR expert and R&D project manager, Juline Vincent, will answer your questions during a Q&A webinar on July 2 from 5-6 pm CEST. Register here

Find out more about the iCS-digital™ PSC range