TRADE NEWS: Agilent Technologies Introduces Custom Oligo FISH Solution for Cytogenetic and Pathology Research Labs

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Agilent Technologies Inc. A today introduced a molecular solution that combines its Oligo Library Synthesis capability for FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) with its SureDesign online application to produce custom FISH probes. Used together, these powerful tools enable laboratories to maintain complete control over probe coverage and achieve maximum target-sequence-specificity for both human and animal models.

“Many cytogenetic labs must perform orthogonal testing to verify the results of their research,” said Victor Fung, senior global marketing director for Agilent's Diagnostics and Genomics business. “Now with this expanded custom FISH solution, they can easily design high-quality assays in significantly less time.”

Unlike traditional probes that rely on BAC (bacterial artificial chromosome) clone technology, Agilent's FISH probes are designed in silico, which enables precision targeting in regions of <100kb, and in non-standard sequences such as non-human targets.

“These are some of the cleanest probes I have ever worked with,” said Dr. Matthew Breen, professor of genetics at North Carolina State University, who is using the new custom FISH solution in canine models. “And the probes are incredibly reliable.”

Agilent SureDesign enables researchers to design unique FISH probes, microarrays and target enrichment libraries, as well as sample a variety of designs before actually placing an order. Once a custom FISH probe order is submitted, the design is sent directly to Agilent's oligo synthesis pipeline and downstream FISH probe production.

SureDesign is available free of charge to Agilent customers. For more information please visit:

Custom FISH probes: www.agilent.com/genomics/custom-fish

SureDesign: www.agilent.com/genomics/suredesign

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. A is the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in chemical analysis, life sciences, diagnostics, electronics and communications. The company's 20,600 employees serve customers in more than 100 countries. Agilent had revenues of $6.8 billion in fiscal 2013. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com.

On Sept. 19, 2013, Agilent announced plans to separate into two publicly traded companies through a tax-free spinoff of its electronic measurement business. The new company is named Keysight Technologies, Inc. The separation is expected to be completed in early November 2014.

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