The tool was developed to screen for extremely minute levels of mutations in cancer-related genes. The company claims that the TaqMan Mutation Detection Assays show at least 10-fold greater sensitivity than is currently available.

The assays will also support the development of emerging technologies and future products for detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs), which scientists in the United Kingdom recently said could help determine aggressiveness levels and potential treatments for the disease.

The tool will be available as part of an early release program with a full launch in July.