New Illumina Infinium EX genotyping arrays

Illumina has introduced a new generation of Infinium EX genotyping arrays, including the Global Screening Array v4 and the Global Clinical Research Array. These arrays use the latest Infinium EX chemistry to offer faster processing and lower DNA input. Both arrays are available in standard formats as well as enhanced pharmacogenetics versions. The Erasmus MC Genomics Core Facility is equipped with new robotics to process these new arrays.

The GCRA and GSA v4 are enhanced versions of the GSA version 3, with the GSA v4 allowing the processing of twice as many samples and the GCRA offering increased SNP density. Their high-throughput capabilities make them ideal for large-scale studies, population genetics, and genome-wide association studies. Furthermore, they are well suited for clinical research, precision medicine, pharmacogenomics - especially the enhanced PGx arrays - and projects requiring standardised, cost-efficient genotyping workflows.

The Erasmus MC Genomics Core Facility has over 23 years of experience processing Illumina arrays. With a laboratory optimally equipped for high-quality, high-throughput processing and dedicated data analysis pipelines, we offer genotyping services using both versions of the GCRA and the GSA v4. 

The GCRA is a high-density beadchip designed for research and discovery applications. It includes approximately 1.2 million markers with multiethnic genome-wide content and can process 24 samples per beadchip. The array’s content is curated from leading clinical and research databases. The GCRA with enhanced PGx is a specialised version developed for pharmacogenomic research, polygenic risk score development, and genetic disease studies. It features the same 1.2 million genome-wide markers, complemented by approximately 42.000 PGx-focused markers for up to 24 samples.

The GSA v4 is a high-throughput BeadChip designed for population studies, variant screening, and precision medicine research. It processes 48 samples per chip and includes a multiethnic genome-wide backbone with approximately 650,000 SNPs, along with the option to add up to 50,000 custom markers. The Infinium Global Screening Array with Enhanced is a high-throughput genotyping microarray developed for pharmacogenomics, polygenic risk score development, and genetic disease research and it includes around 16,000 pharmacogenetic markers.

The Infinium EX workflow with PGx incorporates a targeted gene amplification step, improving the detection of clinically important, technically challenging pharmacogenetic genes such as CYP2D6, CYP2C19, TPMT and DPYD.

For more information about Illumina genotyping services, contact the Erasmus MC Genomics Core Facility.