WESSEX Regional Genetic Laboratory at Salisbury District Hospital can obtain more complete genetic information to diagnose a wider range of conditions, thanks to a new £100,000 DNA decoding machine.
The technology can be used to diagnose cancers and will enable drugs and treatment to be more effectively targeted for individual patients.
The machine was funded by research money and will keep the team at the forefront nationally in this important area of genetic diagnosis and testing.
More than 3,000 genes are associated with genetic disorders and many more are to be discovered. The new technology will help scientists to identify genes associated with specific hereditary conditions, so doctors can make an accurate diagnosis and provide advice, support and improved management of the condition for patients and families.
Professor Nick Cross, director of the Wessex Regional Genetics Laboratory, said: “This machine will not only give us greater capacity that we can use for research and diagnostics, but will also open up greater opportunities for more targeted forms of treatment”
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