Premaitha's IONA test validated on Thermo Fisher instrument range

International molecular diagnostics group Premaitha Health announced on Friday that the IONA test, the company's CE-IVD non-invasive prenatal test, had been validated for use on Thermo Fisher Scientific's Ion S5 range of instruments.

The AIM-traded firm said the validation of the IONA test on the Ion S5 platform, performed in partnership with Thermo Fisher Scientific, would broaden Premaitha's potential laboratory customer base.

It said the Ion S5 instrument was now being widely adopted by laboratories carrying out next-generation DNA sequencing around the world.

The IONA test was therefore now a possible NIPT solution for the “growing” network of laboratories, Premaitha’s board claimed.

Additionally, as the Ion S5 could be used for wider applications, including oncology, the platform allowed Premaitha to work with lower volume laboratories that were keen to offer NIPT as part of a wider choice of genetic tests for their patient populations.

The IONA test was already validated on Thermo Fisher Scientific's Ion Proton and Ion Chef sequencing instruments, which are part of the same Ion Torrent platform.

“Validation on the Ion S5 is another important technological milestone which achieves a simpler IONA® test workflow, enabling less 'hands-on' time, and provides access to an even greater pool of international laboratory customers that are installing the new platform or who are not solely focused on NIPT,” said CEO Stephen Little.

“We already have several S5 laboratories ready to roll out the IONA® test, and are in discussions with more,” Dr Little added.