Yourgene Health unveils integrated genomic analysis platform

Yourgene Health has launched LightBench® Discover, a revolutionary three-in-one benchtop system that consolidates large fragment analytics, DNA size selection, and fluorometric quantification capabilities specifically designed for long-read sequencing applications. The Manchester-based molecular diagnostics company, part of the Novacyt group, developed this integrated platform through strategic collaboration with PacBio®, addressing critical workflow challenges in genomic research laboratories.

Advanced technical capabilities for genomic research

The LightBench Discover represents a significant technological advancement over conventional multi-instrument approaches. The system delivers extended analytical capabilities for large fragment analysis up to 150 kilobases, substantially exceeding the 20-kilobase threshold of previous technologies. This enhanced range, combined with Ranger^® Technology-powered size selection and integrated quantification functions, positions the instrument as an optimal solution for research applications utilising PacBio Revio^® or Vega™ sequencing systems.

The development process incorporated extensive field testing, with prototype instruments deployed to gather real-world customer feedback and performance validation. This collaborative approach ensured the final product addresses genuine laboratory workflow requirements whilst maintaining exceptional analytical precision.

Strategic partnership drives innovation

Yourgene Health’s collaboration with PacBio, established when the company became a PacBio Compatible Partner in November 2023, provided the foundation for LightBench Discover’s development. This partnership enabled comprehensive protocol development and rigorous performance assessment across diverse sample types and research applications.

Technical validation data from The CoLab at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Alabama demonstrates the system’s capabilities across challenging genomic research scenarios. The comprehensive Technical Note documenting these findings is available through both Yourgene Health’s platform and the PacBio Compatible Partners programme.

Cost-effective laboratory consolidation

“The product development and launch of LightBench Discover is a significant achievement for the Novacyt team, and I would like to congratulate everyone for their efforts,” commented Lyn Rees, CEO of Novacyt. “LightBench Discover’s 3-in-1 technology provides cost efficiencies, enhances quality control, simplifies workflows and delivers high-accuracy analytics which have all been designed around our customers’ needs.”

The integrated approach eliminates the need for multiple separate instruments, reducing both capital investment requirements and ongoing service contract complexities whilst consolidating software platforms into a unified interface.