Illumina Now Shipping HiScanSQ Platform

Illumina, Inc. announces shipment of HiScan™SQ, the first instrument to integrate microarray analysis and next-generation sequencing in a modular design that can evolve with changing research needs. HiScanSQ is designed for smaller core labs that don't want to purchase separate platforms to run sequencing and microarray experiments; groups that primarily run arrays but are looking to move into sequencing for the first time; and facilities that run both arrays and capillary electrophoresis sequencing and are looking to add high-throughput sequencing.

The HiScanSQ system has two components: the HiScan Reader, a high-performance array scanner that can also image sequencing flow cells and the SQ Module, an add-on fluidics device that enables genomic-scale sequencing. The publication-proven HiScan Reader functions independently as a high-speed, precision micro-array scanner for Illumina's BeadArray products. With the SQ module, the system switches to perform Illumina's sequencing-by-synthesis (SBS), the most widely adopted next-generation sequencing technology, generating 50 Gb of data per paired-end flow cell. Together, these complementary technologies provide a powerful approach to genetic discovery and validation.

"The idea behind the HiScanSQ platform is to give people flexibility," said Tristan Orpin, senior vice president, Commercial Operations at Illumina. "The falling cost of sequencing has made arrays and sequencing complementary, so many core labs are looking for a system that will allow them to perform some initial discovery with arrays, and then use sequencing to further characterize or validate the results in-house. For instance, researchers can leverage targeted resequencing to follow-on their genome wide association study or transition between array-based and sequencing-based gene expression."

Researchers can minimize hands-on time through a number of user interface features that automate and streamline HiScanSQ workflow including a touch screen interface, pre-configured plug and play reagents, and data analysis software to allow users to visually integrate sequencing and array data.