1. Polar body analysis for IVF

Polar bodies are produced during meiosis when the oocyte goes through division. They are sub-products of meiotic division, containing the full genetic material as the mature egg but very little cytoplasm and they are usually discarded. By analyzing the polar body, it is possible to glean indirect information on the genetic status of the egg, since the genetic material in the polar body is identical to the one present in the mature egg. Any change in the DNA amount in the polar body reflects a complementary change in the egg.

Olympus has developed a chromosome analysis method based on multi-plex PCR setup. We offer a complete service for polar body analysis when pre- IVF genetic screening is required. Polar bodies can be placed on the AmpliGrid reaction sites by the customer or can be sent to us for spotting on the slide and further analysis. PCR reactions are run immediately after polar bodies arrival at our facility; therefore chromosome analysis can be completed within 12 hours.

Useful downloads:
User guide single cell service, Download pdf (64 kb)
Example protocol polar body deposition, Download pdf (43 kb)
Example result polar body analysis, Download pdf (19 kb)

2. Primer design

Olympus offers customers a complete primer design service for mono-plex PCR, multi-plex PCR as well as for internal oligos designed for hybridisation. Moreover, we can offer support for primer design for mono-, multiplex RT-PCR across intron-exon boundaries. In both cases the selection of input-sequences is critical for good results and therefore we utilise a number of data sources: organism, sequence, repeat and blast databases. A project specific design strategy (multi-plex grade, analysis method, etc.) can be fully discussed with the customer before starting the project.

Useful downloads:
Order form, Download xls (103 kb)
Example output file, Download pdf (6 kb)
Product flyer primer design service, Download pdf (390 kb)

3. Customer tailored mono- or multi-plex PCR analysis (followed by sequencing reaction when needed)

We offer support for primer design and protocol optimisation for mono- and multi-plex PCR or RT-PCR, providing scientists with ‘ready to run’ protocols for 1 µl PCR reactions. Additionally, when there is lack of time, experience or technical material on-site, we can provide a higher level of support where we assume responsibility for the entire experiment from primer design to PCR run (including sequencing reaction when needed). The final results are then given to you. Our team of biologists and technical assistants will be available to provide technical and intellectual support to any type of project where 1 µl PCR might be required.

4. Customer tailored single cells analysis (followed by sequencing reaction when needed)

If 1 µl single cell PCR is required, Olympus can provide flexible levels of service. For example we can position your cells on the AmpliGrid reaction sites and help you with primer design and PCR protocol optimisation. The bespoke slides, loaded with your cells, are then returned to you for further analysis. Alternatively, our skilled team can provide a complete, professional and efficient service where we will assume responsibility for the entire experiment, from primer design to PCR run (including sequencing reaction when needed), sending you the final results.