Coffalyser is a data analysis tool designed to  provide a reliable and robust normalization for MLPA fragment data files coming from most common capillary sequence systems. The Coffalyser is a macro written in Visual Basic for applications (VBA). VBA is closely related to Visual Basic, but runs from within the host application (Microsoft Excel XP, 2003 or 2007 (© 2006 Microsoft Corporation), rather than as a standalone application. The Coffalyser can accept a large number of file formats directly from capillary sequence systems. Sizes of all MLPA probe signals are determined and filtered, quality control steps are performed, and variation in peak intensity related to size is corrected for. DNA copy number ratios of test samples are computed, displayed in a table view and a set of comprehensive figures is generated.

To obtain optimal MLPA results a good normalization technique alone is not enough. MLPA data analysis strategies must be contemplated on during experimental design. Key to reliable normalization lies in the design of the MLPA mix and in the choice and usage of test and references samples. MLPA results may futhermore be influenced by the performance of the researcher and the capillary sequencer. We have therefore broken down the MLPA procedure in four steps: experimental design, capillary fragment separation, MLPA data normalization and results interpretation. Each step is linked to each other and is thus influenced by each other. The support page addresses some of the most common issues and provides information to optimize each step.

Other project also related to MLPA data analysis and / or capillary electrophoresis may also be found here. We are currently working hard on a stand alone analysis program, a test version can already be downloaded to be used as a FSA reader. This program can import ABIF files directly from the capillary sequencer, new available versions are automatically updated. Please note that this is a test version!
Another little project is a sample sheet generator. Because of the importance of data organization sample names and tags are necessary. The Coffalyser Sample Plate Generator (S.P.G.) can be used to automatically create sample plate files for the CEQ8800 and ABI Data Collection Software. These files are generated from simple sample lists which can be copied from any location.