• Introduction to the Infinium Global Diversity Array-8 (GDA-8)

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• The Infinium Global Diversity Array-8 (GDA-8) v1.0 is Illumina's next-generation genotyping array designed to deliver comprehensive, high-resolution genomic analysis across diverse populations. At N2Jenomics Lab Pvt. Ltd., we utilize the Illumina GDA-8 platform to generate accurate, reproducible, and comparable genotyping data for population genetics, polygenic risk score (PRS) studies, pharmacogenomics, and cytogenetics through a streamlined, end-to-end workflow.

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• Key Features of GDA-8

• • Optimized multi-ethnic genome-wide content for enhanced cross-population imputation and fine-mapping accuracy.

• • Comprehensive collection of clinically relevant variants curated from leading genomic databases to support translational and precision medicine research.
• • Flexible array configurations, including Infinium Global Diversity Array with Cytogenetics-8 and Infinium Global Diversity Array with Enhanced PGx-8.
• • Customizable add-on content supporting up to 175,000 additional markers for project-specific research requirements.
• • Validated for large-scale genomic studies and widely adopted in precision medicine initiatives, including the All of Us Research Program.

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• Who Can Benefit from This Service?

• • Researchers conducting genome-wide association studies (GWAS) across ethnically diverse populations.
• • Scientists developing polygenic risk score (PRS) models for complex diseases and traits.
• • Cytogenetics and clinical genomics laboratories requiring comprehensive copy number variation (CNV) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis.
• • Population genetics and precision medicine researchers seeking robust, scalable genome-wide genotyping solutions.
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Technical Specifications

Related platform — Infinium Global Screening Array-24 (GSA-24)

For scalable, cost effective population-level genotyping, consider GSA-24, a 24-sample Infinium HTS array that combines multiethnic genome-wide content with clinical research variants. (Research use only)

Learn more → GSA-24 analysis service.

Applications and Research Use Cases

• The Infinium Global Diversity Array-8 (GDA-8) enables population-scale projects that need consistent results across ancestries. N2Jenomics Lab Pvt. Ltd. applies the Illumina Infinium Global Diversity Array to deliver validated genotypes for discovery and translational research.

• Population genomics and diversity mapping

Use the multiethnic scaffold for cross-population imputation, ancestry inference, and fine-mapping in global cohorts. This platform replaced Illumina's Multi-Ethnic arrays to improve coverage and portability across studies.

• Genome-wide association studies (GWAS)

Run GWAS with ~1.8 M markers to detect trait-associated variants at scale. The array was selected for NIH All of Us, supporting very large cohorts.

• Polygenic risk scores (PRS)

Derive PRS using genome-wide content and integrated array analysis software; cloud workflows are supported.

• Cytogenetics and structural variation

Choose Infinium Global Diversity Array with Cytogenetics-8 for genome-wide CNV and LOH assessment, with added exonic probes across >4800 genes. Average cytogenetic resolution is reported around the megabase scale.

• Pharmacogenomics (PGx)

Select Infinium Global Diversity Array with Enhanced PGx-8 to expand drug-gene content while retaining GDA-8's multiethnic backbone for PRS and disease studies.

• Biobank and cohort genotyping

GDA-8 supports high weekly throughput suitable for population programs and longitudinal resources.

Our GDA-8 Genotyping Workflow

• • Sample Submission – Accepts a wide range of sample types, including whole blood, saliva, buccal swabs, FFPE tissues, and purified genomic DNA.

• • DNA Quality Assessment – Comprehensive evaluation of DNA concentration, purity, integrity, and fragment size to ensure optimal assay performance.
• • GDA-8 Genotyping – High-precision array processing, including DNA amplification, hybridization, staining, and scanning using the Illumina iScan System.
• • Data Processing & Quality Control – Automated genotype calling, rigorous quality assessment, and generation of high-confidence SNP datasets.
• • Advanced Bioinformatics Analysis – Comprehensive downstream analyses including GWAS, polygenic risk score (PRS) analysis, copy number variation (CNV) detection, cytogenetic analysis, and functional variant annotation.
• • Secure Data Delivery – Delivery of complete project results, including analytical reports, raw data files, and processed datasets through a secure data transfer platform.
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Data Analysis & Secure Data Delivery

At N2Jenomics Lab Pvt. Ltd., we provide a comprehensive end-to-end bioinformatics workflow for Infinium Global Diversity Array-8 (GDA-8) data. Our validated analysis pipeline transforms raw array data into high-quality, research-ready datasets with detailed reports to support population genetics, GWAS, PRS, cytogenetics, and pharmacogenomics studies.

Primary Data Processing & Quality Control

• • High-quality intensity normalization and genotype calling using validated analytical workflows.

• • Comprehensive sample-level quality assessment, including call rate, heterozygosity, and sex concordance analysis.
• • Marker-level quality metrics such as SNP call rate, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE), and duplicate concordance.
• • Generation of representative cluster plots for quality validation and performance assessment.

Population Genetics & Imputation

• • Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and relatedness analysis for population structure and cohort quality control.
• • Ancestry estimation and projection using established global reference populations.
• • Preparation of imputation-ready genotype datasets compatible with standard reference panels.
• • Optional genotype phasing and imputation using secure, high-performance cloud-based workflows.

Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) & Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS)

• • Comprehensive GWAS with covariate adjustment and multiple testing correction.
• • Publication-ready visualizations, including Manhattan plots, QQ plots, and detailed association summary statistics.
• • Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) calculation using validated methodologies with complete model documentation.
• • Cohort-level PRS distribution analysis along with individual risk score reporting.

Cytogenetics & Pharmacogenomics Analysis

• • Infinium Global Diversity Array with Cytogenetics-8 supports genome-wide Copy Number Variation (CNV) and Loss of Heterozygosity (LOH) detection.
• • Detailed CNV reports including genomic coordinates, segment size, confidence metrics, and gene overlap annotations.
• • Infinium Global Diversity Array with Enhanced PGx-8 enables comprehensive pharmacogenomics analysis with star-allele determination.
• • Phenotype interpretation tables and confidence scores for clinically relevant pharmacogenes.

Secure Data Management & Delivery

• • Secure project delivery through encrypted SFTP or protected online data portals.
• • Encrypted storage with controlled access to ensure data confidentiality and integrity.
• • Optional long-term data archiving and retention services based on project requirements and data management policies.

Why Choose N2J enomics Lab Pvt. Ltd.?

At N2Jenomics Lab Pvt. Ltd., we combine advanced Illumina genotyping technology with expert scientific support to deliver accurate, scalable, and research-ready Infinium Global Diversity Array-8 (GDA-8) solutions. From sample processing to bioinformatics interpretation, our experienced team ensures high-quality results tailored to your research objectives.

Expertise in Multi-Ethnic Genomic Studies

• • Extensive experience working with genetically diverse populations and multi-ancestry research projects.
• • Robust analytical workflows optimized for accurate cross-population imputation and comparative genomic studies.
• • Standardized pipelines that ensure consistent, reproducible results across multiple batches and research centers.

High-Quality Assay Performance & Quality Control

• • Rigorous quality control measures and validated genotype-calling workflows for maximum data accuracy.
• • Reliable detection of Copy Number Variations (CNVs) and Loss of Heterozygosity (LOH) for cytogenetic applications.
• • Strict quality assurance protocols maintained throughout the entire genotyping process.

Scalable High-Throughput Genotyping

• • Efficient processing capabilities for large-scale population studies, biobanks, and longitudinal research projects.
• • Optimized workflows that deliver predictable turnaround times with regular quality checkpoints.
• • Flexible project capacity to support both small and high-volume research studies.

Customized Genotyping & Bioinformatics Solutions

• • Optional customization with up to 175,000 additional markers to address project-specific research goals.
• • Tailored downstream analyses, including GWAS, Polygenic Risk Score (PRS), pharmacogenomics (PGx), population genetics, and functional annotation.
• • Customized reporting formats designed to meet individual study objectives.

Secure Data Management & Regulatory Standards

• • Secure data transfer through encrypted communication channels and controlled user access.
• • Well-documented, version-controlled analytical pipelines to ensure reproducibility and traceability.
• • Research Use Only (RUO) compliant workflows with comprehensive audit trails and optional long-term data retention.

Comprehensive Scientific Support

• • Expert consultation for study design, experimental planning, and sample strategy.
• • Guidance on statistical power, cohort design, and analytical approaches for GDA-8 studies.
• • Publication-ready figures, data visualizations, methodology descriptions, and technical support for scientific manuscripts and research publications.

Sample Requirements

Tip: Label tubes or plate wells with unique IDs matching the sample manifest.

Question: What is the Infinium Global Diversity Array-8 (GDA-8)?

Answer: The Infinium Global Diversity Array-8 (GDA-8) is a high-density genotyping microarray containing approximately 1.83 million genetic markers. It is designed for comprehensive genome-wide association studies (GWAS), population genetics, ancestry research, and genetic diversity analysis across multiple ethnic populations.

Question: How is the GDA-8 different from the Infinium Global Diversity Array with Enhanced PGx-8?

Answer: The Enhanced PGx-8 version includes all the standard GDA content while adding an expanded set of pharmacogenomic (PGx) markers, with over 1.9 million total markers. It is the preferred choice for studies investigating drug response, precision medicine, and pharmacogenomics.

Question: When should I choose the Infinium Global Diversity Array with Cytogenetics-8?

Answer: The Cytogenetics-8 array is recommended when your research requires both SNP genotyping and genome-wide copy number variation (CNV) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis. It is specifically optimized for cytogenetic and constitutional genomics applications.

Question: What is the role of microarrays in cytogenetic studies?

Answer: Microarray technology enables high-resolution detection of copy number variations (CNVs), chromosomal deletions, duplications, and allelic imbalance across the genome. These insights are valuable for clinical genetics, cytogenetics, and genotype-phenotype correlation studies.

Question: Does the GDA-8 support polygenic risk score (PRS) analysis and genotype imputation?

Answer: Yes. The GDA-8 is designed with a multi-ethnic genomic backbone, making it well suited for polygenic risk score (PRS) development, genotype imputation, and cross-population genetic studies.

Question: What data and analysis deliverables do you provide?

Answer: We provide comprehensive deliverables based on your project requirements, including raw IDAT files, GTC files, Illumina manifest files, genotype reports, quality control summaries, CNV analysis (where applicable), and analysis-ready datasets.

Question: Can the array content be customized?

Answer: Yes. Illumina offers add-on content and "+" kit options that allow additional genetic loci to be incorporated while maintaining the standard 8-sample BeadChip format. We can help select the most appropriate configuration for your research objectives.

Question: Is the GDA-8 suitable for large-scale population studies and biobanks?

Answer: Absolutely. The GDA-8 is specifically developed for large cohort studies, biobanks, population genomics, ancestry research, and multi-ethnic genome-wide association studies, offering high marker density and broad genomic coverage.

Question: Is the Global Diversity Array the successor to the Multi-Ethnic Global Array?

Answer: Yes. The Infinium Global Diversity Array-8 is Illumina's recommended successor to the earlier Multi-Ethnic Global Array, providing improved genomic coverage and enhanced performance across diverse populations.

Question: How many markers are included on the Global Diversity Array?

Answer: The Infinium Global Diversity Array v1.0 BeadChip contains approximately 1,825,277 fixed genetic markers, enabling high-resolution genome-wide analysis.

Question: What is the difference between Cytogenetics-8 and Enhanced PGx-8?

Answer: The Cytogenetics-8 array focuses on CNV and LOH detection alongside SNP genotyping, whereas the Enhanced PGx-8 array expands pharmacogenomic marker coverage while retaining the core GDA content for disease association and population genetics research.

Question: Which files are available for downstream data analysis?

Answer: We provide all essential files for downstream bioinformatics analysis, including Illumina manifest files, cluster files, raw IDAT files, GTC files, genotype datasets, quality control reports, CNV outputs (where applicable), and other project-specific analysis deliverables.