Shares digital

The cell analysis company’s new project for NHS Services Scotland could bring further success

by Rachel Robson

A contract win to develop and implement a nationwide network of automated cytogenetic analysis systems for NHS Services Scotland has highlighted the potential for Genetix’s (GTX:AIM) CytoVision system. The Hampshire firm’s shares have been volatile and at 53.5p lie 37% below last year’s 85.5p high, but investors should take advantage of the price weakness as further deals would send the stock soaring.

The new contract will connect NHS Scotland’s five cytogenetic laboratories – in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness – through a network of more than 70 CytoVision workstations. This will provide an integrated, automated cytogenetic analysis solution to replace current microscope-based chromosome analysis methods.

Thanks to the deal, laboratories will be able to balance workloads by sharing digital images across the five locations through CytoVision’s web service capabilities and the NHS Scotland Wide Area Network. The automated service will also help reduce the time to get results to patients from three weeks to just over a week.

Cytogenetics is the investigation of the structure, function, and abnormalities of human chromosomes, and Genetix’s CytoVision enables cytogenetic imaging and analysis.

Shares says: Solid progress which could lead to similar agreements elsewhere. Buy