RECENT PRODUCT NEWS

The epMotion from Eppendorf is the only open, automated liquid-handling system with pretested, ready-to-go methods for automated nucleic acid purification. Intensive collaboration between Eppendorf and five major vendors of nucleic acid purification chemistries has resulted in this development in automated protocols.

Following the introduction of the EU Biocidal Products Directive, which required withdrawal of substances such as phenol-based products, laboratories are seeking safe, effective alternatives to traditional biocides. Many workers have turned to TristelÆs chlorine dioxide-based disinfectants, and the company now offers Tristel for Labs, a comprehensive system designed to meet a variety of decontamination needs.

The Brady IP series printer system is a revolutionary thermal transfer printing system that safeguards against illegible or impermanent labelling. It will have real benefits in any multidisciplinary laboratory or medical application that requires positive sample identification and traceability, and where a variety of procedures is in use.

High-resolution phase contrast and fluorescence imaging is now possible using the same objective, thanks to the special external phase contrast system on NikonÆs new Ti series inverted microscopes. Furthermore, this flexibility is now achieved with maximum light transmission.

The wide variety of high-performance, easy-touse digital camera systems from Olympus offers users the solution to any imaging application. Each Olympus camera system has been integrated with state-of-the-art technologies that allow users to achieve excellent image quality as seen through the microscope eyepieces.

Applied Biosystems has launched the GeneMapper ID-X software application to automate routine forensic DNA analysis. The suite of integrated software tools makes analysis more efficient by pinpointing specific samples that require further analysis.

Applied Biosystems has launched Silencer Select siRNAs, designed to deliver the most consistent gene silencing results and gene function data available to those performing RNA interference (RNAi) experiments.

Beckman Coulter has introduced the Microfuge 16, the latest advance in the companyÆs generalpurpose bench-top centrifuge line. With a more compact design than previous models, the Microfuge 16 has a smaller footprint, weighs just 14 pounds and is less than seven inches tall.

The comprehensive test menu on SebiaÆs Capillarys system now extends to the identification and quantification of haemoglobinopathies, including Γ-thalassaemia and sickle cell anaemia.

Using patented, innovative technologies, Clearview from Inverness Medical offers a wide range of point-of-care diagnostic tests. These simple one-step tests have demonstrated proven efficiency in clinics, hospitals and laboratories.

Samples collected for CD4 analyses begin to lose their integrity in just a few hours when collected in conventional tubes. Available from Alpha Laboratories, Cyto-Chex BCT is a direct- draw vacuum blood collection tube containing a patented preservative that has been developed to address such a problem.

Computer Imprintable Label Systems (CILS) has launched its CIL 8000 series durable coloured label sets. The colour-coded label sets are available in an unlimited range of colours and formats to suit all laboratory requirements, and are able to withstand temperatures of -80░C to 155░C, moisture, handling, chemicals and solvents.

Versatile and user-friendly, the RX Imola clinical chemistry analyser from Randox offers a host of features to save time and reduce costs. The RX Imola takes automation a step further with features such as automatic switch-on, inventory management, calibrator dilution, sample dilution and automatic re-assay for high- and low-level samples. Onboard cuvette wash system, low water consumption, long-life reagents and low reagent volume requirements all contribute to a reduction in costs.

Image analysis is one of the fastest growing methods for particle characterisation, offering the measurement of particle shape in addition to size. In support of this increasing trend, Whitehouse Scientific has developed a new range of glass calibration microspheres.

Many applications require the manipulation of samples between different formats of tubes and plates. These operations can now be simplified by use of the new Rainin EDP3 Adjustable Spacer multichannel pipettes from Anachem.

The new XP26PC liquidhandling calibration device from Mettler Toledo is a fast, user-friendly system for calibrating singlechannel micropipettes. In just a few seconds, it can calibrate dispensed volumes as low as 1 ∞L, which complies with the ISO 8655 standard.

Complete with comprehensive on-board software for qualitative, quantitative and kinetic applications, integral shaking and extensive memory for both results and methods storage, the Anthos MultiRead 400 standalone reader offers versatility, reliability and fast reading times.

In a study by the Carolinas Medical Centre, North Carolina, USA, Inverness MedicalÆs Clearview Simplify D-dimer rapid test has been shown to be as effective in diagnosing pulmonary embolism as is quantitative laboratory testing. The research, presented at the European Emergency Medicine Congress in Sorrento, Italy, details how the qualitative Simplify test not only ôdemonstrated similar diagnostic accuracyö, but is more versatile for rapid point-of-care use in emergency departments.

Applied Biosystems has announced the worldwide commercial availability of the SOLiD system, the companyÆs nextgeneration DNA sequencing platform.

Carl Zeiss has added a flagship stereomicroscope to its range with the launch of the SteREO Discovery V20.