RECENT PRODUCT NEWS
Easy removal of electrophoresis gel bands
The GeneCatcher, available from the Gel Company, provides a simple and inexpensive way of removing bands from gels in a simple two-step process.
Tips for real-time PCR research and diagnostics
Rainin's recently launched TerraRack pipette tip racks, available in the UK from Anachem, are already proving popular in the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) research and diagnostics core facility at the University of California, Davis. The laboratory, part of the School of Veterinary Medicine, performs molecular diagnostic assays for veterinary practices across the USA, as well as nucleic acid extraction and qPCR for external research studies, relying on high-quality
Detailed on-screen evaluation of microscope images
Maximising the information captured from life and materials science samples is now possible with ease and simplicity, with the new Olympus UC90 microscope camera. Thanks to a range of innovative features, the UC90 captures and documents real-life details, while a 4K UHD mode supports users in overcoming the limitations of the oculars with the many benefits of complete on-screen operation.
Hepatitis C: confirming infection and quantifying viral load
Hologic has continued its expansion into the virology testing market, having earned CE?IVD certification for the Aptima hepatitis C virus (HCV) Quant Dx assay on the fully automated Panther system.
Point-of-care coagulation analysis
Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics has launched the handheld and portable Xprecia Stride coagulation analyser to deliver fast, reliable testing in any clinical environment. The analyser can be used for prothrombin time testing (PT/INR) for point-of-care (POC) monitoring and management of oral anticoagulation therapy (OAT) with warfarin, a vitamin K antagonist.
Molecular STI testing
The Panther instrument from Hologic combines full automation with the assay performance of the Aptima Combo 2 and Aptima HPV assays, allowing customers the freedom to control their molecular workflow for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing. Hologic has now launched the Aptima HIV-1 Quant DX assay, the first assay in a viral load menu that will soon include hepatitis C and hepatitis B for the Panther instrument.
Detection of all bacteria and fungi
Cognitor Minus, available from Pro-Lab Diagnostics, gives a confirmed negative result, direct from blood culture, the day following sample receipt by the laboratory, with a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.5%.
Kits for molecular biology applications
Vivantis Technologies has established a European centre to support and promote the sales and distribution of its product range. Vivantis specialises in the production of restriction enzymes, DNA extraction kits, DNA amplification reagents (including kits for molecular biology applications), recombinant enzymes, improved protein stains, markers and ladders. To mark this event, Vivantis is running a promotion for its GF-1 nucleic acid extraction kits, which provide a rapid and efficient method for purification of nucleic acid from various samples.
Fully automated tissue embedding
Sakura Finetek has launched the Tissue-Tek AutoTEC a120, a second-generation, fully automated tissue embedder that eliminates the labour-intensive need to manually orient and embed tissue specimens and form tissue or cell paraffin blocks. The AutoTEC technology, combined with the Paraform Sectionable Cassette System, ensures that the orientation of specimens is locked from grossing to microtomy for all routine tissue types, thereby eliminating the risk of orientation mistakes and tissue loss for increasing patient safety.
Clean vials, certified
Wheaton recently introduced MicroLiter Certified Clean Vials, designed to allow more reliable transfer of samples to the autosampler. Critical physical dimensions and chemical cleanliness are fully tested to ensure that no trace residues are present, with each vial cleaned and packaged in a certified Class 10,000 cleanroom using a process developed to eliminate vial-associated errors.
Rapid diagnosis of cardiovascular disease
Addenbrooke’s Hospital’s emergency department (ED), part of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is the first UK site to install two Stratus CS 200 Acute Care Diagnostic cardiac analysers. The technology from Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics is enabling rapid diagnosis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in order to determine an appropriate treatment plan.
Gel and Western blot imaging
The Omega Lum G from Aplegen is a gel and Western blot imaging documentation system. It incorporates everything needed to capture images quickly. As with all Aplegen systems it is powered by the intelligent SmartCapture technology which simplifies imaging to the point where the user just has to pick an application and the image is automatically captured with the optimum exposure, and even takes care of filter selection and focusing.
Life science research and diagnostics update
Herolab of Wiesloch in Germany manufactures products for life science research and diagnostics, and has now opened a UK-based office in Cambridge. This will help to service the growing number of users in the UK and well as offering sales and support for a number of International dealers and customers.
High-speed FRAP imaging
Olympus has launched a new cellFRAP deck system for the popular IX3 ‘open source concept’ IX83 and IX73 microscopes. Olympus cellFRAP is designed with researchers in mind, providing accurate and flexible live-cell photomanipulation with various evaluation options for data presentation.
Optilite: an advanced special protein system
Binding Site unveiled Optilite at the EuroMedLab exhibition in Paris recently. The company has spent more than four years developing Optilite in response to customer demand and the results are claimed to be truly outstanding. In independent testing by 11 European clinical sites, Optilite has demonstrated consistent efficiency and assay performance in real-world laboratory conditions.
Fully automated O2 calibration system launched
Don Whitley Scientific has launched a fully automated oxygen calibration system for Whitley workstations. This solution will help users to calibrate their workstation efficiently and easily, and so improve the accuracy of experimental data.
Next-generation laboratory business management
InterSystems, the developer of the TrakCare unified healthcare information system, will preview its laboratory business management system (LBMS) at the IBMS Congress (Stand F28) in Birmingham at the end of the month.
Convenient preparation of faecal samples
The opportunity to test for both faecal pancreatic elastase (to measure pancreatic exocrine function) and faecal M2-PK (for colorectal cancer screening) using the same stool extract is just one of the benefits delivered by the new ScheBo Master Quick-Prep device.
High-performance multi-mode microplate reader
BioTek has announced the release of the Synergy Neo2 multi-mode reader. With improved performance and new features, Synergy Neo2 is now the most advanced high-performance, high-speed plate reader on the market. Synergy Neo2 is designed for speed and ultra-high performance, incorporating BioTek Hybrid Technology with its independent optical paths that ensure uncompromised performance. Continuously variable bandwidth quadruple monochromators, sensitive high-transmission filter-based optics provide ultra-fast measurements with excellent results.
Rapid sepsis species identification assays
QuickFISH is a rapid molecular diagnostic platform, developed by AdvanDx, that is now available exclusively in the UK from Alpha Laboratories. It provides 20-minute species identification of bacteria directly from positive blood cultures. This enables clinicians to prescribe the correct antimicrobial therapy for patients with bloodstream infections much earlier, ensuring better patient outcome, reduced hospital stay and lower medical costs. These assays are based on PNA probe technology and fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH).
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Upcoming Events
Lab Innovations 2021
NEC, Birmingham
3-4 November 2021
IBMS Biomedical Science Congress 2022
International Convention Centre, Birmingham
14-17 March 2022
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