Pushing beyond limits of genetic research
Turkey is now considered one of the largest markets for sequencing technology, and as the largest laboratory in the region, Bisgin's team processes all samples from the university hospital, as well as those from other nearby hospitals and institutes. They are even supplied with samples from other European countries, clinics and research institutions via FedEx. Due to the quantity of data being processed, Bisgin’s laboratory is challenged with analyzing a large number of very rare cases, as well as recommending the most promising therapeutic approaches.
To keep up with the demand, Bisgin's laboratory is filled with state-of-the-art equipment, including PCR and next-generation sequencing systems, that run around the clock. Many of these samples contain rare mutations or are from patients with hereditary diseases that require individual investigative work. In the past, analyzing such an extensive range of complex biological data would have been out of the question, but QIAGEN Digital Insights solutions provide the tools to handle large-scale data to identify genetic mutations and sequences, to help diagnose disease.
QIAGEN’s systems allow him to create his workflows, regardless of the number of samples. The quality of the panels also helps; with 64 genes, the spectrum is broad. Using liquid biopsy, Bisgin can examine all kinds of samples for DNA and RNA. However, the most important part for him is not the equipment, but the bioinformatics tools. “Anyone who, like us, processes tens of thousands of samples per year can only do this with effective computer science. QIAGEN offers valuable solutions that enable us to easily manage our raw data. One of the major advantages for me is to be able to access our data at any time, and from any place, even in the plane,” says Bisgin.