RECENT PRODUCT NEWS

A simple diagnostic test developed at Oxford University, and launched by Massachusetts-based Boston Heart Diagnostics, will identify those at increased risk of rare but serious side effects from taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs.

IntelligentMDx (IMDx) has obtained CE-marking for a new automated, high-throughput, qualitative in vitro diagnostic test for the rapid detection of group B streptococci (GBS) for use in screening pregnant women and those in labour who may be infected with the pathogen. Group B streptococci are responsible for life-threatening bacterial infections, including sepsis, meningitis and pneumonia, in newborns.

Designed with all the advantages of an open architecture and chemistry format, PrimeQ is the new real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system from Techne. Supported by Quansoft software, PrimeQ gives users the freedom to choose their preferred chemistry, consumables and data analysis method.

Agilent Technologies has introduced additional Agilent SureFISH probes, creating the largest offering of oligonucleotide-based fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) assays on the market. Over 425 probes are now available, including centromere probes for all 24 chromosomes, and 35 telomere probes.

Achema 2012 gave UK autoclave manufacturer Priorclave the first opportunity to showcase a number of new developments, including a range of front-loading steam sterilisers with Tactrol Touch – new touchscreen controls on show for the first time. The latest version of the EH150 Priorclave, a 150 litre front-loading autoclave is the company’s first steam steriliser to be released with the newly developed touchscreen controls.

The compact, lightweight CM-10MP mini viewing cabinet is ideal for any type of life science application requiring high-contrast fluorescence analysis. It is also excellent for viewing TLC plates and for quality control inspections. Weighing only 1.8 kg, it can be conveniently carried from place to place. With its compact dimensions, this space-saving unit can fit easily in cramped areas.

Stago is the world leader in haemostasis, and offers a range of platelet-related assays under the BioCytex brand. With almost 20 years of expertise in providing dedicated flow cytometry solutions for this highly specialised market, BioCytex is ideally positioned to provide innovative kits to aid clinical diagnosis of rare pathologies and research of platelet function.

Thermo Fisher Scientific has introduced its Thermo Scientific Sterilin Quick Start 30 mL polypropylene universal containers. As they are leak-proof, resistant to temperature and chemicals and easier to use, they can better protect samples in all types of laboratories. The Sterilin Quick Start containers are manufactured from clear polypropylene, which has greater temperature and chemical resistance than other materials such as polystyrene. This meets the needs of a wider range of laboratory applications, from healthcare to life science research.

Ureaplasma are very small free-living bacteria that, like the mycoplasmas, have no cell walls. Named for its metabolic utilisation of urea, it possesses a small, simple genome.

Storage of tissue blocks and slides in the laboratory has the advantage of total control over archiving and is more cost-effective than external storage.

Promega has launched the QuantiFluor RNA system for highly sensitive, easy RNA quantitation. The QuantiFluor RNA dye enables quantitation of small amounts (as little as 100 pg) of RNA in solution, a critical step in many biological applications, particularly in standard molecular biology techniques.

Pro-Lab Diagnostics has developed a new enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for the qualitative detection of Cryptosporidium and Giardia lamblia antigens in human faecal specimens from patients displaying gastrointestinal symptoms.

The UriCon is a standalone, static concentrator that uses a regenerated cellulose membrane which recovers more Bence-Jones proteins, giving it a high sensitivity.

bioMérieux has launched a range of certified media for use with the VITEK MS MALDI-TOF microbial identification platform, ensuring the company can provide high-quality solutions to meet the entire workflow needs of today’s clinical microbiology laboratory.

Six new assays have been added to Binding Site's SPAPLUS Specialist Protein Analyser menu: IgG in CSF (cerebrospinal fluid), IgA CSF, IgM CSF and albumin CSF plus C1 inactivator (C1 inhibitor) in serum and plasma and transferrin in serum.

The new Genova Plus life science UV/visible spectrophotometer from Jenway features icon-driven software with soft-key navigation and the ability to save results and methods to a USB memory stick.

The new version of Remisol Advance v1.5 data management system from Beckman Coulter improves laboratory workflow and the result-management process, with improved sample tracking and results archiving, and is helpful in the laboratory accreditation process.

Point-of-care testing (POCT) specialist Alere has added the Afinion HbA1c to its range of rapid tests for use in primary care, allowing practitioners to provide on-the-spot results to help diabetic patients to monitor and manage their condition.

Thermo Fisher Scientific has introduced the MaxQ High Performance (HP) orbital digital shakers. Consisting of open-air and incubated bench-top models, and incubated or refrigerated floor models, the MaxQ HP shaker range is ideal for sensitive cultures.

Nikon Instruments has developed a new standalone imaging unit, the DS-L3, to complement its Digital Sight range of cameras. Offering synchronicity with a range of microscopes, the touch panel DS-L3 is a multifunctional space-saving unit with the ability to control a camera, as well as a microscope, and display images.