ZURICH, March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Prionics, a world leader in farm animal diagnostic products, has broadened its sampling device range through the acquisition of forensiX. The forensiX product line provides simple and highly reliable solutions for taking DNA samples for use in criminal investigations and other applications including paternity testing. Unlike other DNA sampling products on the market, forensiX products are unique in that the samples do not require pre-drying or freezing and can be stored at room temperature for later use.
From television series such as CSI-Miami, it is general knowledge that DNA analysis is one of the most important tools for use in criminal investigative procedures. DNA evidence is traceable in extremely small quantities and professional preservation of biological clues for DNA analysis can be decisive in resolving criminal cases. Prionics forensiX sampling products can be applied to take all kinds of samples, but because they meet the highest quality standards, the products are especially suited for taking nucleic acid samples, such as DNA samples.
Effective sample preservation
forensiX products are the best solutions for DNA sampling on the market today, since they allow optimal sample preservation independent of transport and storage conditions. Other DNA testing products require pre-drying, immediate sample analysis, and transfer of the DNA sample to a paper carrier or cooling container. Prionics forensiX kits include all sampling materials and detailed instructions for taking DNA swabs. The forensiX cotton swab is placed in a dedicated cardboard box in which the sample is air-dried. Using the cardboard box means that the sample can be packed, sealed and labeled immediately after the DNA sample is taken. The sealed sample is preserved, and can be transported and stored at room temperature, without pre-drying or freezing, until DNA analysis is performed. By continuous drying of the sample in the storage box, one of the biggest risks in forensic sampling - DNA degradation - is avoided. It is due to these unique storage characteristics that forensiX products are used by many forensic institutes worldwide.
Product innovations
Prionics is currently working on extending the existing forensiX product line for additional applications to meet the needs of its customers, reports Prionics CEO, Markus Moser. A recent example is the newly launched DNA sample storage tube, which was developed together with Dr. Harald Schneider from the State Office of Criminal Investigation of Hessen in Wiesbaden, Germany. The new swab kit fulfills our requirements for securing evidence after a criminal offence in a unique way says Dr. Schneider. To our knowledge there is no comparable product available worldwide that equally meets our needs.
The forensiX product line was first developed by swissforensix AG, a spin off of the Institute for Forensic Medicine of the University of Berne. The acquisition by Prionics, already a world leader in sample taking devices, enhances its product range for degradation-sensitive probes to include DNA samples.
About Prionics
Prionics AG, based in Zurich, Switzerland, is a leading provider of farm animal diagnostics and a recognized center of expertise in BSE and prion diseases. Founded in 1997, Prionics researches and markets innovative diagnostic solutions for major farm animal diseases, contributing significantly to the protection of consumer health. Winner of the Swiss Economic Award for Company of the year (2002) and the European Biotech Award for Excellence in Biotech Business (2004), in 2006 Prionics was nominated as the world's best animal health company.
For more information please visit http://www.prionics.com/media
Contact: Marjan van der Haar Corporate Communications Phone: +41-44-200-20-57 Mobile: +41-79-352-53-16 E-Mail: media@prionics.com
Contact: Marjan van der Haar, Corporate Communications, Phone: +41-44-200-20-57, Mobile: +41-79-352-53-16, E-Mail: media@prionics.com
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