Microarrays and Array Techniques
Powerfully Informative Microarrays
From discovery applications to routine screening, microarrays are a valuable tool for variant detection. Powered by widely adopted Infinium technology, Illumina microarrays provide the trusted data quality needed to accelerate research. The scalable, multi-sample format supports labs conducting large studies or institutions processing high sample volumes, making it easier to keep pace with demand.
As genomic information becomes incorporated into precision medicine initiatives, clinical and translational research, pharmacology, consumer screening, and agricultural applications, we're continuing to develop microarrays to meet diverse research needs. Whether you're running a few or thousands of samples per day, our arrays can help you analyze genetic variation efficiently.
Propelling Progress with Microarrays
Dr. Weiss discusses how Illumina microarrays offer the quality and accuracy needed for disease research.
Benefits of Microarrays
Microarrays are ideal for surveying thousands of samples to identify point mutations, structural variants, or changes in gene expression and methylation. Illumina microarrays offer several advantages.
- Trusted data quality
- Widespread global adoption, fostering collaboration and accelerating research
- Detection of chromosomal alterations and copy number variation (CNV)
- Scalable workflow for large studies, including population-scale genotyping
- Integration with Illumina sequencing systems for multi-omics analyses
- Flexible content
- Built-in lab management, tracking, and traceability tools
Key Microarray Techniques
Human Genotyping
Perform whole-genome or targeted genotyping of human samples for precision medicine research, pharmacogenomics, translational research, consumer screening applications, and disease association studies. Tailor studies to detect common variants, CNVs, and more.
Learn MoreNon-Human Genotyping
Conduct whole-genome selection studies, DNA fingerprinting, net merit evaluation, and marker-assisted breeding with species-specific catalog and consortia-developed microarrays, or genotype species of interest with custom arrays.
Learn MoreMethylation Analysis
Analyze epigenetic patterns across the genome with methylation arrays. Quantify changes to CpG islands, non-CpG and differentially methylated sites, and regulatory regions with single-nucleotide resolution.
Learn MoreGenome-Wide Genotyping
Microarray-based genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been the most common approach for identifying disease associations across the whole genome.
Learn MoreTargeted Genotyping
Targeted genotyping approaches provide a cost-effective alternative to whole-genome methods, when genome-wide genotyping is not practical or necessary.
Learn MoreCustom Genotyping
Custom genotyping is the ideal solution for screening large sample sets against novel or targeted content. With custom designs, you can target regions of the genome relevant to your specific research interests.
Learn More
Infinium EX: Our most advanced array workflow
Maximize your workflow value with exceptional throughput, coverage, and imputation accuracy using our latest Infinium EX workflow. With increased efficiency in time and material, your workflows are now shorter and require half the amount of DNA compared to our previous protocols. Enjoy other benefits such as:
- Environmentally friendly formamide-free reagents
- Updated liquid handling automation for high-volume laboratories
- Highly accurate, comprehensive, and efficient DRAGEN Array secondary analysis
Featured Research Using Microarrays
Polygenic Risk Scores Could Become Useful Tools in the Physician's Toolbox
Researchers perform large GWAS studies with the Global Screening Array to identify disease-associated DNA risk loci and develop PRSs for clinical validation.
Read Customer Interview
Customizing Genetic Testing in Japan and Southeast Asia
Genesis Healthcare offers direct-to-consumer kits based on Illumina microarrays, with the goal of empowering people to make proactive lifestyle adjustments.
Read Customer Interview
Bringing Meaning to Genetic Information
MyDNA partnered with Illumina, providing customers with access to its MyDNA software platform to make the most of the data produced and to enhance their reports.
Read Customer InterviewMicroarray Workflow Overview
Choose from ready-to-use microarrays with expertly designed content, or design custom iSelect or semicustom arrays to suit specific research and analysis needs. Process and scan arrays with a rapid DNA-to-data workflow.
Click on the below to view products for each workflow step.
DesignStudio Microarray Assay Designer
Web-based tool for designing custom arrays.
All Microarray KitsBrowse ready-to-use microarray kits for genotyping and epigenetic analysis.
Microarray & Library Prep Kit Selector
Identify the best array or sequencing library prep kit for your needs. Filter by method, species, and more. Compare, share, and order kits directly from this tool.
iScan System
Microarray scanner for high-throughput processing of thousands of samples per day.
Infinium Accessory KitsHardware, software, and accessories needed to process multiple microarrays in parallel.
Infinium Automation Packages
Robotic liquid-handling capabilities, control software, and other options to automate the array workflow and reduce errors.
AutoLoader 2.xThis device automatically loads microarray carriers onto scanning systems.
Microarray Data Analysis Solutions
Software to help you visualize, analyze, and manage microarray data.
BaseSpace Clarity LIMSLaboratory information management to helps genomics labs track samples and manage workflows.
BaseSpace Correlation Engine
Web-based tools for early-stage research to identify disease mechanisms, drug targets, and prognostic or predictive biomarkers.
Related Solutions
Large-Scale Genotyping
High-throughput microarrays help labs identify common genetic variations among large cohorts for population-scale genotyping studies. Learn more about high-throughput genotyping.
Complex Disease Genomics
Complex diseases result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Array and sequencing technologies can help reveal the underpinnings of these diseases. Learn more about complex disease genomics.
Genotyping for Agrigenomics
Genotyping array studies in plants and animals can uncover the relationship between genotype and phenotype, informing breeding decisions and the genetic selection of valued traits. Learn more about plant and animal genotyping.
Cytogenomics
High-resolution cytogenomic microarrays enable detection of low-level mosaicism, CNVs, LOH, and AOH across the genome. Learn more about cytogenomics.
Cancer Epigenetics
Methylation arrays enable epigenome-wide association studies that can analyze multiple cancer samples in parallel. Learn more about cancer epigenetics.
Microarray Services
Experts provide genotyping and methylation array services quickly and cost-effectively. Explore microarray service offerings.
Additional Resources
Infinium Microarray Technology
The high density of Infinium bead-based arrays facilitates diverse applications, including population-scale genomics.
Genomics Consortia
Illumina helps researchers who share similar goals join efforts to pool resources and create genomics tools.
Identifying Genomic Alterations
Dr. Trilochan Sahoo uses the CytoSNP-850K BeadChip to scan the genome for common and rare genomic variants.