Laboratory diagnostics – crucial foundation for advances in medical science

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Roche Diagnostics Deutschland GmbH

In introducing Modular Analytics in 1999, Roche became the world's first provider of flexible system combinations. The Modular Pre-Analytics platform the same year signaled market entry into pre- and post analytics. In 2002, the Modular Analytics SWA provided a combination of clinical chemistry and immunology in a single system for the first time. With the introduction of the Cobas modular platform in 2006, Roche was able to offer tailored, configurable system solutions for all laboratories. The modules in the Cobas 8000 series, which was introduced in 2009, can be combined in various configurations and have a throughput capacity of up to 8,400 tests per hour. In 2013 with the Cobas 8100 automated workflow series, Roche then took the next step towards full automation of universal pre- and post analysis In the immunology segment, Roche introduced the Cobas e 801, a high-throughput module capable of handling up to 1,200 tests per hour. It has 192 reagent channels to support maximum consolidation. Reagents can be added at any time during the routine.

In 2005, Roche Diagnostics introduced nucleic acid analyzers capable of sequencing long DNA segments significantly faster than what was otherwise possible at the time.

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In addition to routine diagnostics, there is increasing demand for distributed solutions for point-of-care diagnostics. The emphasis here is on the development of high-speed, rugged, compact solutions along with test miniaturization and emergency treatment parameters. Roche addresses this need with systems such as the Cobas Li- at, the Cobas h 232 point-of-care system for fast, reliable determination of cardiac blood markers and the CoaguChek systems for determination and monitoring of blood clotting.

Digitalization and big data

There is naturally also a need to cope with increasing data complexity, and this requires highly-advanced equipment software as well as management and networking systems to support the larger data volumes transferred between the patient, the physician and the laboratory. The spectrum also includes integration of automated, IT-based consultancy tools for patients and attending physicians. "We can now build rules into our systems such that, for example, if the results of a test are abnormal, additional tests run automatically without the need for intervention by the physician who then receives all of the necessary information in the shortest time possible. This trend will continue. There is no doubt about that," reported Dr. Thomas Schinecker, CEO of Roche Deutschland GmbH. "I expect to see major advances in the IT sector, and intensive development work is currently underway."

Milestone Laboratory Diagnostics

The changing world of laboratory diagnostics: Making Best Use of the Available Options

Broad technology base

In many cases, a combination of different technologies is needed to find answers to specific problems. Roche Diagnostics already has a very broad technology base and is making enormous investment in R&D to drive the development of promising technologies and create new opportunities. The company's purpose statement is: "Doing now what patients need next". This strategy was reinforced at the beginning of the new millennium through a series of acquisitions. The takeover of NimbleGen in 2007, for example, gave Roche access to DNA microchips that are often used in pharmaceutical research. They also support the transition in the diagnostics sector from analysis of individual parameters to multiplex analytics where certain groups of patients are routinely screened for specific parameters. The acquisition in 2008 of Ventana Medical Systems, a leader in tissue-based diagnostics, expanded the Roche portfolio of diagnostic products and enabled the company to become the leading supplier of automated diagnostics systems for tissue samples.

Since 2013, Roche Sequencing Solutions has been broadening the company's portfolio for routine sequencing and next-generation sequencing workflows, ranging from sample purification and preparation to sequencing and data analysis.

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