The introduction of non-invasive methods like liquid biopsy that use cell-free DNA for molecular diagnostics has been of growing interest in prenatal investigations. The analysis of cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) in blood can provide valuable genomic information for healthcare professionals without the need for invasive procedures like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS).
In a lucky circumstance of biology, cffDNA is biased towards a shorter fragment length (typically <140 bp in length) than cell-free maternal DNA (typically >150 bp).
Ranger® Technology allows us to preferentially select for shorter fragments more likely to be fetal in origin for non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) investigations.
Figure one: The primary distribution profile for all cell free DNA fragments in a maternal blood sample are shown in blue. Once the size selection range is applied (grey) the output from the Ranger instruments is fragments of fetal origin only (orange). Size selection ensures reproducibility in biomarker enrichment.
Enriching fetal fraction with size selection
Size selection allows isolation and enrichment of the fetal fraction (FF%) from maternal blood. Enriching based on size allows us to increase FF% by at least two-fold.
Doubling fetal fraction can help overcome challenges of sample validity in NIPT investigations by:
- Salvaging FF% in samples that are too low to meet minimum input thresholds due to maternal DNA contamination
- Eliminating failures due to low FF% and reduces the need for redraws
2 x FETAL FRACTION ENRICHMENT
EDTA Capability with Ranger® Technology
This also demonstrates the efficacy of size selection as a means to extend storage of NIPT samples in EDTA vacutainers up to 8 hours, which:
- Allows for a more flexible workflow and greater choice of Blood Collection Tube (BCT) for clinicians
- Permits savings on costly blood stabilisation tubes
- Reduces unnecessary anxiety as a result of a delayed result
Enhance your NIPT workflow with Ranger® Technology
Yourgene Health offer a range of platforms that are powered by Ranger® Technology.
Regardless of your NIPT application or throughput requirements, we have a solution for you:
- LightBench® powered by Ranger® Technology (for up to 12 samples)
- NIMBUS Select powered by Ranger® Technology (for up to 96 samples – High Throughput)
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If you have a question or would like to learn more about our products and services, we're here to help.