FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 12, 2004.

The QPix2XT from Genetix is the latest addition to the proven technology and performance of the QPix automated colony picking system range.

Automated Colony Picker for high throughput Genomics

The QPix2XT from Genetix (www.genetix.com) is the latest addition to the proven technology and performance of the QPix automated colony picking system range. The new instrument has been designed to appeal to genomic laboratories with high throughput demands and / or multi-modality of applications and researchers involved in protein expression and protein supply.

Manual colony picking is a laborious and error-prone task. The QPix2XT eliminates such errors whilst handling large numbers of colonies at high speed. Incorporating a new extended bed length the QPix2XT can pick over 4,000 colonies per hour from two input source Qtray plates or 8-10 Petri dishes positioned in holders. Colonies are imaged by an onboard CCD camera and are automatically selected by the QSoft picking software that provides maximum flexibility over colony selection criteria, gridding patterns and library management.

The instrument offers unmatched operational flexibility through an extensive range of standard features. These include two microplate plate stackers each capable of holding up to 70 low-profile 384- or 96-well plates; an automated barcode reader; regional picking e.g. Gateway clones, from divided Q-trays (48 well or 24 well); an anti-vibration table supporting instrument and stackers and a halogen pin steriliser / drying station. The fully enclosed QPix2XT system with UV sterilisation ensures an ultra-clean environment, while the integral high-pressure wash station eliminates carry-over.

The QPix2XT offers in addition a growing range of optional modules. These include a module for high throughput gridding, replicating and re-arraying; a phage module offering automated detection, measurement and picking of phage plates in soft agar and a Yeast-2-hybrid module automating the detection of protein interactions.

CONTACTS:

Worldwide HQ Genetix Limited Queensway New Milton UK Tel: + 44 1425 624600 Email: info@genetix.com www.genetix.com

North America HQ Genetix USA Inc. Boston, MA tel. 1-877-436-3849