16 June 2025 [Press release]

Announcement of the Optimization of GenoQuest GBS qPCR Assay on the geneLEAD VIII

Following the announcement of the collaboration between DiagCor Life Science Ltd. (DiagCor) with Precision System Science Co., Ltd. (PSS), and successful optimization and implementation of the GenoQuest JAK2 qPCR Assay and GenoQuest CA/GV qPCR Assay on the geneLEAD VIII, the All-in-One, fully automated Sample-to-Result system, we are excited to add the GenoQuest GBS qPCR Assay to the growing list of optimized tests.

Streptococcus agalactiae, also known as group B streptococcus (GBS), is a common commensal gram-positive bacteria colonized within the gastrointestinal and genital tracts of healthy individuals. Maternal GBS colonization is associated with miscarriage, premature labor or stillbirth, and the vertical transmission of GBS to a baby at birth remains a global public health concern. Early-onset of neonatal GBS infection may lead to pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis, which are often life-threatening. Currently, no vaccine exists for the prevention of GBS infection. Universal screening, with subsequent intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis for the positive cases, will continue to be the cornerstone of GBS disease prevention. This practice has resulted in substantial reductions in the burden of early-onset GBS disease among newborns. Detection of GBS can be determined directly from broth media using latex agglutination, probes or nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) such as PCR. The GenoQuest GBS qPCR Assay can be completed in less than 2 hours and provides a highly sensitive method to detect as low as 30 copies of GBS DNA. Our new application note details an automated workflow for this assay on the geneLEAD VIII system, including its clinical performance.

If you would like to learn more about this platform, please contact our sales team at [email protected].

About DiagCor: Headquartered in Hong Kong with ISO 13485 accredited Quality Management System (QMS), DiagCor has been a pioneer in multiplex technologies via its global leader in Flow-through hybridization instruments and GenoFlow^TM assays, and is now growing an extensive portfolio of qPCR assays for in vitro diagnostics on open systems, covering the areas of infectious disease, oncology and human genetics.

About PSS: Headquartered in Chiba, Japan, PSS develops instruments for in vitro diagnostics. In addition to a proprietary, fully automated nucleic acid isolation system, the company offers multi-purpose magnetic bead-based open-platform instruments, including ready-to-use sample-to-results systems.