RHS Invests in Microarray Technology

 Reproductive Health Science (RHS), an Adelaide, Australia-based genomic diagnostic company, has set its sights on the fast growing IVD market with its newly developed EmbryoCellec^TM test for Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening. This test uses an isolated single cell from an embryo in culture to screen for the 22 autosomal chromosomes and two sex chromosomes required in a viable embryo.

 Aneuploidy status is a key determinant in the implantation success rate of the embryo during IVF and the sector has been heavily targeted by major players such as Illumina in recent years. In order to ramp up production of the microarray based test, RHS has recently taken delivery of a high throughput Arrayjet Marathon Argus.  The instrument is capable of continuous print runs of 100 slides and will be fitted with the newly developed in line camera QC system.

 The investment builds on the existing relationship between the two companies and will allow RHS to roll out its worldwide growth strategy in the coming months. Distribution agreements are already in place in India, Israel, Southern Africa and Turkey with further announcements expected.

 Both Arrayjet CEO Iain McWilliam and Dr Michelle Fraser, CEO RHS are confident this partnership will help propel both companies into the mainstream of the IVF diagnostics market, which is growing at 10 % pa.