Thermo Fisher Launches Ion AmpliSeq HD Technology

Thermo Fisher Scientific has launched its Ion AmpliSeq HD technology, a next-generation library preparation that provides clinical researchers with the flexibility to custom design gene panels without sacrificing the ultra-high sensitivity required to find low-frequency variants in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and highly heterogeneous solid tumor samples. The new product is for targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) oncology and genetic research applications.

According to the company, the Ion AmpliSeq HD enables custom design flexibility for single nucleotide variations (SNVs), small insertions/deletions (indels), fusions and copy number variation (CNV) detection with a limit of detection (LOD) as low as ≤0.1 percent in blood samples. The heightened sensitivity is enabled with molecular tags, while dual barcoding of the fragments of interest helps enhance accuracy in fragment identification and sequencing using the Ion GeneStudio S5 Series instruments. The technology also provides workflow improvements that reduce library preparation time to less than three hours, according to the company.

Similar to the original Ion AmpliSeq technology, Ion AmpliSeq HD leverages the same two-day, sample-to-answer workflow that can be implemented in any NGS laboratory. In addition to its application in oncology research, Ion AmpliSeq HD has also demonstrated application in inherited disease research, with potential use in infectious disease research, microbial studies, and gene expression analysis.

“As oncology research continues to evolve at a rapid pace, so has demand for advanced tools that can keep pace with the needs of our customers,” said Andy Felton, vice president, product management for clinical sequencing at Thermo Fisher Scientific. “We have built upon the knowledgebase from our market-leading AmpliSeq technology to now provide a solution that raises the bar for library prep by combining flexibility with ultra-high sensitivity.”