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Press Release
Features of Toshiba's Technology
Toshiba's technology changes DNA chips
Just as people have different faces and shapes, each person's genes are unique. Differences in our genes determine our infection risk to disease, drug efficacy and the probability of side-effects. Determining genetic differences before beginning medicine treatment enables us to choose the best drugs and medical treatments for each individual ("Personalized Medical Treatment"). DNA chips is a tool to investigate genetic differences.
However, current DNA analysis is a time consuming process involving a number of expensive equipment, use of which requires specialized knowledge.
Toshiba has developed an original electrochemical DNA chip possible to realize a precise and easy-to-operate DNA analysis system.
Toshiba is advancing the practical use of DNA chips in both medical fields and a multitude of other fields that require DNA analysis.
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Automated processing facilitates easy operation
Integrating all stages, from hybridization through analysis, into a single device significantly simplifies operation.
Installing a exclusive chip cassette facilitates measurement through analysis without operation. Removing the need to transfer chip from one equipment to another not only reduces operator workload, but also eliminates the possibility of sample confusion and discrepancies between operators' test results.
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Refined compact design
"The high cost of many DNA analysis system makes them difficult to adopt..."
Not only were most DNA analysis system extremely expensive, several equipments were required. However, all of this has changed.
Toshiba's riginal electrochemical DNA chip system enabled to integrate all processes, from reaction through measurement and analysis, into a single compact equipment.
Quick precise analysis
The outstanding feature of DNA chips is that they can detect multiple genes simultaneously. While most DNA chips attempt to study hundreds or thousands of genes exhaustively, Toshiba selects carefully the number of genes and optimizes measurement conditions so that it may fit in with a goal of a check. .As a result, Toshiba's DNA chip system can achieve clear, precise analysis results. Moreover, once the sample has been set in equipment, the whole process, from reaction through detection and analysis, can be achieved in 15~60 minutes (standard processing time).
Towards a future DNA chip system capable of responding to various needs
Toshiba is advancing the practical application of DNA chips in diagnosis of infectious diseases, prediction of drug efficacy and side-effects, and early diagnosis/prognosis of disease, with the aim of "realizing of personalized medical treatment."
Toshiba is also advancing the practical application of chips in counter-bioterrorism, food inspection and personal authentication, all of which should contribute to building a safe and secure society.
