Johnathan Kay has drawn attention to the UK Genetic Testing Network
in this context. Unfortunately its website appears not to provide
information on the methodology used in its genetic testing
activities, but its Advisory Group has certainly considered the use
of microarray technology in this context in the past (on the grounds
of its relatively low cost), although this proposal was rejected (for
reasons of which I am unaware).
A few points points need to be borne in mind in this context:
1. The microarray chips marketed by Affymetrix (the dominant
manufacturer in this field) have not as yet (as far as I'm aware)
been licensed by the FDA for diagnostic use;
2. Experimental evidence has been been presented in the past
demonstrating that different array-based methodologies (possibly
manufactured by different methods ) yield differing results;
3. As previously discussed on the ACB website, it is clear that
certain US companies have (with the agreement of the US courts)
succeeded in denying the applicability of patents protecting the
microarray technology invented at UCL to the assay of nucleic acids
on demonstrably specious - if not fraudulent) - grounds.
I have taken this up with both the UK government and the EC (as
encouraged by the ACB so to do) and will be reporting the outcome of
this action in due course. But UK government agencies should perhaps
consider the political implications of purchasing assays based on
illegal activities condoned by the US courts.
With best regards,
Roger Ekins
Prof Roger Ekins, PhD DSc FRS
Windeyer Institute
University College London
London W1T 4JF
Phone +44 20 7679 9410
Fax +44 20 7679 9407
>Hi,
>
>I have been asked by a Clinician if it is possible to screen a
>patient for the PSTI gene mutation (which can cause familial and
>juvenile pancreatitis).
>
>Does anyone know if this is available in the UK?
>
>Thanks for your help.
>
>Ewan
>
>Dr Ewan Bell
>Consultant Clinical Biochemist
>Clinical Lead - Diagnostics
>NHS Dumfries and Galloway
>UK
>
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Windeyer Institute
University College London
London W1T 4JF
Phone +44 20 7679 9410
Fax +44 20 7679 9407
------ACB discussion List Information--------
This is an open discussion list for the academic and clinical
community working in clinical biochemistry.
Please note, archived messages are public and can be viewed
via the internet. Views expressed are those of the individual and
they are responsible for all message content.
ACB Web Site
http://www.acb.org.uk
List Archives
http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/ACB-CLIN-CHEM-GEN.html
List Instructions (How to leave etc.)
http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/
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