RECENT PRODUCT NEWS

Roche Diagnostics has launched the cobas 8000, designed to fill the gap in the UK for large-scale, high-speed in vitro diagnostic (IVD) testing. The ability to perform large-scale testing is increasingly important if the UK is to realise the model for pathology services focusing on service consolidation, as set out in Lord Carter’s review of pathology.

The DS-Fi1c is the latest addition to Nikon’s Digital Sight series of cameras. Featuring a high-definition cooled colour camera head and the latest optical technology, the DS-Fi1c is ideal for brightfield and fluorescence applications. An optimal microscopy digital imaging system can be configured for any bioscience application, from documentation to advanced image processing and analysis.

Ever been frustrated about not having the correct filter for your assay application? If so, the Biochrom Asys UVM340 could future-proof your laboratory. This monochromator-based plate reader puts you in control of selecting the exact wavelength to measure absorbance, between 340 nm and 800 nm at 1 nm intervals. It is ideal for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and other applications.

A recent report recommends simplification of the plasma cell dyscrasia diagnostic algorithm mentioned in current International Myeloma Working Group guidelines, indicating that only serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) and Freelite free light chain (FLC) tests may be needed in many cases.

Oxoid has improved its RAPID Hp StART test for the detection of Helicobacter pylori antigen in stool samples. The test now delivers improved sensitivity and specificity, thus enhancing overall performance. RAPID Hp StAR is a rapid immunochromatographic membrane-based assay that provides reliable results in just 15 minutes, without the need for special equipment. The speed and simplicity of this method make it suitable for small-volume testing in the laboratory, or for near-patient testing in gastroenterology clinics and doctors' surgeries. Such convenience is ideal for monitoring the efficacy of antimicrobial treatment without the need for return hospital visits.

A collaboration between Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and global medical technology company Becton Dickinson (BD) has yielded a product that can simplify the process of identifying cancer cells. BD Intrasure allows scientists to study intracellular markers by flow cytometry, a technique commonly used in the research of leukaemia and lymphoma.

Roche has announce the launch of the Elecsys Troponin T high-sensitive (TnT hs) assay for use on cobas and MODULAR Analytics serum work areas in the UK and Ireland. This highly sensitive diagnostic assay has been developed to improve the detection and exclusion of myocardial injury in the early stages, demonstrating excellent precision in the range 0.003–10 ng/mL troponin T in serum or plasma, and to help identify risk of future coronary events.

The Evidence Investigator is a sophisticated biochip system designed for research, veterinary, clinical and forensic applications with an impressive 54 samples analysed per run.

Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT), the world leader in oligonucleotide synthesis, has introduced Custom Label Design, an online label design tool that allows customers to tailor the information provided on their labels, making it easier for them to locate their oligonucleotide probes.

Hospital laboratories rely on the Roche enzymatic creatinine assay for specific and reliable results The Roche Creatinine Plus assay, for use with cobas or MODULAR Analytics analysers, offers a specific and accurate alternative to the less-specific Jaffé method, ensuring clinically more reliable results in the management of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Olympus has introduced the exciting new LightManager module for its BX41 and BX51 upright microscopes. The highly intuitive Olympus LightManager can be retrofitted and enables the user to set the desired illumination intensities for each objective and technique in use. This ensures more efficient control over objectives and illumination, providing excellent imaging results.

As part of the development of the KX+ brand, Kinesis has announced the launch of KX+ syringe filters. A premium-quality range, KX+ syringe filters are available in a wide choice of membrane, pore size and format to address all common filtration applications.

Part of Lab M’s extensive range of products for the isolation and identification of Salmonella species, Harlequin Salmonella ABC is a chromogenic medium suitable for culturing organisms from clinical and food samples. This medium differentiates Salmonella spp. from other members of the Enterobacteriaciae by their ability to produce alpha-galactosidase in the absence of beta-galactosidase, using a dual chromogen system for visualisation.

Eliminating the contamination risk from the transfer of environmental swab tubes into vials and isolators, Cherwell Laboratories’ ready-to-use swabs are available double-bagged and gamma-irradiated.

The explosion in the number of new fluorescent dyes has opened up exciting new opportunities for life science researchers. However, each requires the microscope system to be equipped with an appropriate excitation laser, a limitation that has greatly restricted their adoption.

Roche has launched a new assay for the early assessment of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in patients with impaired renal function. The Roche Cystatin C assay is more sensitive than creatinine measurements, allowing diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) at an early stage when therapeutic intervention is possible.

Combining the groundbreaking AZ100 Multizoom and advanced C1 confocal microscope, Nikon has created the ultimate imaging platform for developmental biology, cell biology, stem cell and tissue research. For the first time, researchers can view large specimens in confocal mode, enabling the capture of more information than ever before.

Lancer Biocleanse is ideal for scientific, medical and healthcare environments where it is used as a surface disinfectant, deodorising cleaner and fungicide. Available in ready-to-use liquid, spray or wipes and as a concentrate, and with powerful biocidal properties, this high-level disinfectant delivers effective cleaning with proven efficacy against a wide spectrum of pathogenic microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, moulds, fungi and spores.

The Navios flow cytometer provides high sensitivity and resolution as well as a wide dynamic range to run high complexity, multicolour analyses on both clinical and clinical research samples. The second in a new line of cytometers to be released this year by Beckman Coulter, the Navios can be configured as either a two-laser system providing six- or eight-colour detection, or as a three-laser system offering up to 10-colour analysis.

Experts agree that the combined use of Copan’s patented flocked swabs and universal transport medium, available exclusively in the UK from Sterilin, is the preferred method to collect and transport samples for influenza testing. Traditionally, the UK’s flu season starts in October and places a greater demand on laboratory resources for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid immunological testing.