Countable Labs Released New Oncology Assay Line
The new molecular tools aim to provide faster, highly sensitive testing for patients with blood cancers.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Cancer
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Countable Labs has launched its Ancora oncology assay product line, which uses specialized PCR technology to enable absolute molecule quantification for clinical testing. These assays are currently accessible through the company's services laboratory.
Why it matters
The new technology seeks to address limitations in legacy PCR methods, such as restricted dynamic range and specimen constraints, which can impact cancer diagnostics. By providing higher sensitivity and faster results, these tools may improve the accuracy of molecular monitoring in oncology.
The Ancora assays achieve a 0.0007% sensitivity threshold for BCR::ABL1 detection across 30 million single-molecule compartments. While these technical specifications demonstrate the platform's capacity for precise quantification, large-scale clinical validation studies are ongoing.
The players
Countable Labs
A biotechnology firm focused on developing advanced molecular diagnostic tools and PCR-based oncology assays.
The details
The Ancora platform utilizes a combinatorial color-coding system that allows for absolute molecule counting rather than relying on standard curves. By partitioning samples into 30 million reaction compartments, the system can quantify targets with higher precision than conventional PCR. This molecular approach is now applied to the detection of specific markers, including BCR::ABL1, KMT2A, NPM1, and KIT D816V.
Timeline
October 2, 2026: Launch of Ancora oncology assays announced.
Year end 2026: Estimated delivery for current pre-order assays.
Health Landscape
This release marks a transition in the diagnostic landscape as laboratories move away from legacy PCR limitations toward platforms that offer higher dynamic range. The move builds on the trajectory of digital PCR systems that prioritize absolute quantification to improve cancer monitoring.
If you are currently undergoing molecular monitoring for blood cancers, these assays may offer a more precise way to track markers in your blood. Discuss whether your testing needs involve these specific markers with your oncologist to see if high-sensitivity monitoring is recommended.
The takeaway
The move toward absolute molecule counting reflects a broader push for increased precision in cancer diagnostics and monitoring. If you are tracking a specific genetic marker for a blood cancer, ask your specialist about the available sensitivity thresholds for your routine monitoring tests.
What happens next
Countable Labs plans to open pre-orders for its PML:RARA and BCR-ABL TKI assays in the coming months.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in Cancer monitoring and diagnostics.
More information
View available diagnostics and test details on the Ancora assay pre-order page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Selectscience.
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