The Helicos® Genetic Analysis Platform is a breakthrough approach to the analysis of genetic material — the first solution to enable true direct DNA and RNA measurements.  By directly sequencing single molecules of DNA or RNA, our proprietary True Single Molecule Sequencing (tSMS™) and Direct RNA Sequencing (DRS™) technologies significantly increase the speed and accuracy of genetic analysis while dramatically decreasing its cost. The Helicos platform consists of the following elements:

• The Helicos® Genetic Analysis System -  which includes the HeliScope™ Analysis Engine, the HeliScope™ Sample Loader and the HeliScope™ Single Molecule Sequencer - “The world's first DNA and RNA Microscope instrument" - performs the tSMS and DRS chemistries and directly analyzes images of single molecules, producing accurate sequences of billions of templates at a time.
• True Single Molecule Sequencing chemistry - a robust biochemical assay capable of sequencing single molecules of DNA or RNA.  We also provide application-specific sample preparation kits and/or protocols that require only a few simple steps.
• Precision flow cells - that enable tSMS and are compatible with the HeliScope Sequencer.
• Sophisticated data pipeline and analysis tools - real time image analysis operates in parallel with base calling and strand formation to accelerate throughput of massive volumes of genetic information.