Genetix Group plc Awarded Scottish NHS Cytogenetics Contract

Genetix Group plc, the cancer diagnostic and biopharmaceutical technologies group, today announces that it has been awarded a contract to develop and implement a nationwide network of Automated Cytogenetic Analysis Systems by NHS National Services Scotland (NHSScotland).

Cytogenetics is the investigation of the structure, function, and abnormalities of human chromosomes, and Genetix’s CytoVision^® is the most widely used imaging and analysis cytogenetics workstation in the world. The project will connect NHSScotland’s five cytogenetic laboratories - located in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness - through a network of over 70 CytoVision workstations, delivering a completely integrated, standardised, automated cytogenetic analysis solution. The network, which is replacing current microscope-based chromosome analysis methods, will enable the laboratories to balance workloads by sharing digital images across all 5 locations through CytoVision’s Web Service capabilities and the NHSScotland Wide Area Network.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Eddy Maher, Director of Cytogenetic Services, NHS Lothian, said:

“The CytoVision network enables us to implement a number of significant improvements which the NHS has targeted as priorities - with the primary goal to provide a uniformly high level of service to every patient in Scotland. This automated solution facilitates connectivity and standardisation across all of Scotland’s cytogenetic laboratories. It enables us to balance workloads, reduce reporting times and improve quality.”

Simon Smith, Genetix’s Director of Commercial Operations, Europe, said:

“We are delighted that Genetix’s CytoVision systems have been selected for a project of such national importance. We have worked diligently to develop a scientific, technological, information management solution to connect Scotland’s entire network of cytogenetic laboratories. By integrating our CytoVision imaging and analysis system with our new GSL-120 Slide Loader, and employing the newly-released CytoVision V.4 software platform, the network will provide a workflow solution that significantly reduces cost, saves time and delivers excellence in the quality of analysis.”