RECENT PRODUCT NEWS

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.

Preston-based Image Solutions has launched a confocal quantitative image (CQI) cytometer from Japanese company Yokogawa. The CQI can accurately quantify the morphological features of live individual cells, clusters such as spheroids, colonies and also tissue sections without the time-consuming need to separate cells or remove them from a culture dish.

Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. Although a vaccine has been available since 1982, it is estimated that a third of the world’s population has been infected during their lifetime. This infectious disease is still common today in China.

DiaSorin has strengthened its range of infectious disease diagnostic assays for maternal and neonatal health with the launch of Iam HSV for use with the DiaSorin Liaison Iam analyser.

BioTek Instruments, which designs and manufactures microplate instrumentation and software, has been awarded a US patent covering the use of ultrasonic devices to check for clogged manifold tubes and to clean the manifold tubes of a microplate washer automatically. The two features are known as Verify and Ultrasonic Advantage and are available in BioTek’s 405 family of microplate washers.

Building on the success and principles of SMART Automation, Sakura Finetek has introduced the next step in Total Laboratory Automation with the Tissue-Tek AutoSection automated microtome. The first of its kind, this fully-automated and programmable microtome aligns and trims blocks with optimal precision, section after section. AutoAlign, the core technology behind

Randox Laboratories has launched a third-party multi-analyte haematology control, the most comprehensive haematology quality control (QC) solution currently on the market.

Randox Adiponectin is an automated biochemistry test offering a new and exciting technique for adiponectin measurement that moves away from traditional, laborious enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) products.

Enteroviruses are a diverse group of RNA viruses including poliovirus, rhinoviruses, Coxsackie A and B viruses, and echoviruses. Most are acquired via the faecal-oral route and exhibit symptoms from the common cold and conjunctivitis to myocarditis, sepsis and flaccid paralysis. The most recently discovered members of this genus are now just numbered (eg EV68, EV70, EV71).

The DiscMaster 3 third-generation dispenser provides a reliable solution to dispensing antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) discs in cartridges within the MastDiscs range, and is designed to complement Mast’s new state-of-the-art cartridge manufacturing facilities.

Air Science provides containment solutions to meet any analytical need, and the new Purair Flex provides many performance advantages over the competition, including greater volume. The Purair Flex film isolator features an innovative curved film design that provides more working volume than other glove bags on the market.

bioMérieux has launched the Parvovirus B19 R-gene kit for the detection and quantification of the three parvovirus B19 genotypes. This CE-marked molecular diagnostic test is part of the Argene range of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) molecular biology tests for monitoring viral infections in immunocompromised patients.

Tecan has introduced a Cavro ADP (air displacement pipettor) module for the popular Cavro Omni Robot. Available with a broad choice of lengths, orientations and options for all three axes, the Cavro Omni Robot is designed to combine precision liquid handling with straightforward integration, and the launch of the Cavro ADP option provides even greater flexibility in instrument design.

Oven Industries has announced the launch of its new thermoelectric benchtop temperature controller. This solid-state bidirectional thermoelectric cooler has an internal power supply, full H bridge and is capable of load currents up to 4 A in H bridge mode. It can control resistive heaters or thermoelectric modules with load currents up to 5A utilising the unidirectional output and internal supply. If used in conjunction with an external power supply as heat or cool only 10 A can be achieved.

Becton Dickinson (BD) has announced the commercial availability of the CE-marked PAXgene blood DNA tube in Europe. The tube is the first blood collection tube designed specifically for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) genomic DNA testing, and was developed by PreAnalytiX a joint venture between BD and Qiagen.

The AegisPOC data management system has the potential to change the way in which laboratories deliver diagnostic services by enabling them to support the introduction of rapid testing devices throughout the hospital, community and wider healthcare environment. The vendor-neutral Aegis POC system from Alere enables multiple remote devices from different manufacturers, in any location, to be monitored, managed and controlled by the laboratory.

The Roche MICROSAMPLER PROTECT makes arterial blood gas (ABG) sampling safer, quicker and less painful for patients. Using an exceptionally narrow needle, MICROSAMPLER PROTECT helps to minimise discomfort and improve the patient experience in the collection of ABG samples.

KD Scientific, an industry leader in liquid-handling solutions for industry and bioresearch, has introduced its new Allegro peristaltic pump system. This innovative system allows maintenance-free, continuous-flow pumping for various fluids.

Lorne Laboratories is offering a brand new internal quality control kit, developed for use by serologists to test their proficiency. The kit is CE-marked and has been evaluated favourably in blood banks across Europe and in the UK.