RECENT PRODUCT NEWS

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.

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.

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).

Aplegen is a new face on the gel documentation market and has introduced Omega Lum W for multicolour R, G, B and chemiluminescence imaging. This small-footprint system breaks the mould of traditional heavy and cumbersome gel documentation systems by utilising innovative design and incorporating an integral tablet for control. This compact package sits neatly on any laboratory bench ready to image gels, Western blots or multiplexing multi-coloured blots at the click of a button.

Beckman Coulter’s new, automated Aquios CL flow cytometer has received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the clinical laboratory.The small-footprint, high-precision instrument has been designed specifically for the Lean laboratory, operating 24/7 and requiring automated systems which improve workflow, enhance quality and deliver a consistent turnaround time (TAT).

Cryptosporidiosis is routinely diagnosed by microscopic analysis of stool samples using organic dyes or by immunostaining by direct fluorescent antibody, and can be difficult to detect. Similarly, Giardia infection is frequently misdiagnosed, relying on poorly performing antigen-based testing.

SpeciSafe secondary packaging containers provide a safe, convenient and economical solution for compliant mailing of biohazardous and clinical specimens. The extensive SpeciSaferange includes solutions for screw-cap microtubes, serum vials, vacuum blood collection tubes, cryovials, Bijoucontainers, swabs/transport tubes, and is now extended toinclude a pack to seal threeuniversal containers in addition tothe original single universal pack.

Randox has launched its new AcuseraHaematology Control. Combining 45 parameters in total, thecomprehensive full blood profile is covered in a single, cost-effective control. Providing atrue third party solution for Sysmexhaematology analysers capable of five-part differential measurement, anindependent, unbiased assessment of analytical performance is guaranteed.

Horizon Discovery Group, theinternational life science company supplying research tools and services that power genomics research and the development of personalised medicines, has introduced a range of genetically defined, highly characterised HDx reference standards for immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays, developed by the company’s diagnostics division.

The new Streck Philisa ampC ID kit enables rapid identification of six plasmid-mediated ampC resistance genes for pathogen surveillance in hospitals and research. When used along with standard culture, this conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) kit will help to provide up-to-date information for infection control by identifying which Gram-negative ampC-resistant bacterial strains are present in the hospital. Resistance to the beta-lactam class of antimicrobials is a significant cause of multidrug-resistant urinary tract and bloodstream infections.

Syngene, a manufacturer of image analysis solutions, has launched the new PXi Access range of compact, multi-application imaging systems. The easy-to-use PXi Access systems offer major advances in film detection and can rapidly generate high-quality images of virtually all types of large blots and gels.

The STH and STQ Duplex metering pumps from Fluid Metering (FMI) are ideal for precision mixing, diluting, and proportional metering for OEM medical, analytical and industrial instrumentation. The company’s OEM Duplex metering pumps consist of two FMI valveless pump heads coupled to a single variable stepper motor drive. The displacement of each pump head is independently adjustable, and various pump head sizes can be used in combinations to achieve dispensing ratios (1:1 up to 500:1).

Registered laboratories of the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) carry out measurements and calibrations that are traceable to national measurement standards held in the UK's National Metrology Institute (NMI), the National Physical Laboratory (NPL). Each UKAS-certified micrometer available from Agar Scientific is permanently marked with an individual reference number, and is supplied in a baize-lined wooden box.

Protea Biosciences recently presented a new chip-based technology at Pittcon in New Orleans. This nanopost array technology, called REDIchip (resonance-enhanced desorption ionisation) was invented in the laboratory of Dr Akos Vertes, in the Department of Chemistry, The George Washington University. The chip is designed to be used for mass spectrometric analysis on matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI) platforms without the need for matrix.

Mast Group is an independent, market-leading manufacturer and supplier of diagnostic products for clinical, industrial and veterinary testing. Mast has produced antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) products since 1957, and continues to be at the forefront of developments in this field. With an ever-expanding portfolio of antibiotic susceptibility, resistance marker and identification discs, Mast supplies the most comprehensive range worldwide.

Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics has unveiled its latest advances in compact robotic laboratory automation solutions. The VersaCell X3 consolidates sample management for chemistry and immunoassay testing. The system assists laboratories to achieve some of the workflow benefits of automation without the space or budget considerations associated with a track-based solution.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a parasitic pathogen of the human respiratory tract. This bacterium lacks a cell wall and thus many antibiotics that inhibit cell wall synthesis are ineffective as treatment. M. pneumoniae causes atypical pneumonia and affects children and young adults most commonly. The organism adheres to respiratory epithelial cells via several adhesins. The P1 adhesin is a major virulence factor of this organism.

Early detection of colonic polyps and their prompt removal is a fundamental goal of colorectal cancer screening and prevention. Results of a new multicentre study demonstrate sensitivity for the ScheBo M2-PK Quick test of 92.8% for bowel cancer and 69.4% for polyps. The ScheBo M2-PK Quick test detected twice as many bowel cancer cases and nearly six times the number of polyps compared with an immunological faecal occult blood test (FIT) also included in the study.

Fast-track Diagnostics has released a CE-labelled real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) kit for the detection of the Zaire Ebolavirus, the strain responsible for the current outbreak in West Africa. The Ebolavirus assay is based on multiplex real–time PCR, so it can deliver fast, accurate diagnoses leading to greater treatment efficiency. “Supporting infectious disease detection in the developing world has always been a priority for Fast-track Diagnostics,” said CEO Dr William Carman. “Therefore, we are delighted to expand our extensive portfolio with this new addition.”

Beckman Coulter Life Sciences has expanded its range of Avanti high-performance centrifuges with the launch of the Avanti JXN-30. This capitalises on the company’s expertise in ultracentrifugation by incorporating features from its Optima X series into the high-performance Avanti JXN-30.