Over 70 CytoVision(R) workstations to provide an automated solution for Scotland’s entire network of cytogenetic laboratories

NEW MILTON, UK–Genetix Group plc (AIM: GTX), 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.”

About CytoVision® and GSL-120 Slide Loader

Genetix’s CytoVision is a customizable system for cytogenetic imaging and analysis that is scalable in both hardware and analysis capabilities. It is compatible for single stations to perform research on fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) signals or high throughput, automatic scanning and capture stations for high volume clinical laboratories.

The GSL-120 Slide Loader efficiently processes large batches of cytogenetic slides without the need for user intervention. It is specifically designed for integration with the CytoVision system, providing a completely integrated cytogenetic imaging and analysis solution. The GSL-120 is the first slide loader to incorporate high quality image capture using an automated oiling system, an integrated bar code reader, as well as automatic data handling with trainable selection classifiers.

About Genetix Group plc

Based in New Milton, UK, and quoted on the AIM (AIM: GTX), Genetix delivers the competitive edge in cell identification and selection from discovery to diagnosis. Genetix technologies are bringing new efficiencies to the cancer diagnostics and biopharmaceutical markets from target discovery through to clinical diagnosis.

Genetix’s customer base includes many of the world’s leading cancer pathology, cytogenetic and biopharmaceutical groups. Genetix made a significant contribution to the Human Genome Project by supplying high-throughput equipment to seven of the leading eight laboratories of the consortium. Today, through its R&D expertise and scientific resource, Genetix is committed to the continual development of innovative solutions to accelerate the rate of cell based research. For more information please visit www.genetix.com.

About NHSScotland

NHSScotland provides a safe, high quality health service that is designed to meet the needs of patients and their carers and families. It provides services based on people’s health or medical need, not their ability to pay. Health services are delivered through 14 geographically-based local NHS Boards and eight National Special Health Boards.

NHSScotland has around 158,000 staff, including more than 47,500 nurses, midwives and health visitors and over 3,800 consultants. There are also more than 12,000 doctors, family practitioners and allied health professionals, including dentists, opticians and community pharmacists, who are independent contractors providing a range of services within the NHS in return for various fees and allowances.