RECENT PRODUCT NEWS

Touchclave laboratory autoclaves from LTE Scientific offer features to assist the operator and improve efficiency. These include touch-screen controls, a multi-program system, automatic internal data archiving, an interlocked vertical easy-glide sliding door, and water-jacketed to provide fast-cycle times.

Following the successful launch of the mediumsized 910LX model, Lancer has now introduced two brand new large washer/dryers, the 1300LX and 1400LXP.

Helena Biosciences has added cap piercing as standard to its AC-4 automated coagulation analyser. The AC-4 is the perfect compact analyser for any haemostasis laboratory, claiming performance beyond that of comparable systems in an easy-to-use, ultra-reliable format.

Instrumentation Laboratory (IL) has introduced the GEM Premier 4000, a revolutionary whole blood analyser that is very easy to use. It has a remarkably flexible analyte menu, including a full COoximetry panel. The selfcontained pack incorporates all components for patient testing.

The team behind ItemTracker, the widely used visual sample tracking and management software solution, has announced the release of Version 3.

SartoriusÆ new MA150 is a moisture analyser with a difference. Capable of detecting water down to 0.01%, this new model also has a built-in weighing system with a maximum weighing capacity of 150 g (1 mg resolution). Together with its rugged and compact design, this new moisture balance is perfect for a range of laboratory applications.

Eppendorf Plate Deepwell 96 and 384 set new standards in purity, stability and centrifuge and automation compatibility. The plates deliver first-rate results every time, and offer optimised well geometry, an exclusive error-safe labelling system, and stability up to 6000 xg.

Randox has released a simple test for the fully automated, quantitative detection of the small dense form of low-density lipoprotein (sd LDL). Research into LDL cholesterol and the implications for risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has identified two LDL subtypes, small dense LDL and large buoyant LDL. Genetic and nutritional factors affect the size of the LDL particles.

StatSpin Express primary tube centrifuges from Rapid Sample Processing are simple to use, compact, fast and easy to maintain. Faster turnaround times and greater productivity can be achieved in the production of plasma for coagulation tests and for chemistry and cardiac profiles.

Abbott Diagnostics has expanded its ARCHITECT family of analysers with the introduction of the ARCHITECT c16000 clinical chemistry analyser and ARCHITECT ci16200, an integrated immunoassay and clinical chemistry analyser.

It is estimated that there were 4.3 million new cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 2006 and half a million of these were children under 15 years old. Around 40 million people worldwide are now living with HIV/AIDS, so early detection and treatment of HIV-1 and -2 remains critical in improving survival rates and reducing transmission, especially to the unborn child.

Olympus has introduced the updated dotSlide digital virtual microscopy system, which scans entire slides at high resolution and fidelity, making them accessible and fully navigable anywhere around the world.

The ISS Group has announced the availability of RMCÆs family of electron microscopy (EM) sample preparation products. The line includes microtomes, ultramicrotomes, cryosectioning systems, automatic EM tissue processors, glass knife makers, propane jet freezers, freeze fracture systems, freeze substitution systems, freeze dryer systems and a wide range of associated accessories.

Beckman Coulter has introduced two additions to its line of cell signal transduction reagents û Phospho- MAPKAPK-2 and Phospho-STAT3 kinase antibodies.

The new Variant Reporter software from Applied Biosystems accelerates sequence data analysis in biomedical research by automating the detection of genetic variants and streamlining the analysis process.

Thermo Fisher Scientific has developed a special polymerase chain reaction (PCR) buffer that enables samples to be loaded directly on an agarose gel after thermal cycling, thereby reducing the number of pipetting and reagent handling steps in PCR testing protocols.

The camSonix range of ultrasonic baths from Camlab offers 13 models, from 0.8 L to 90 L, providing solutions for almost any laboratory or medical application.

Oxoid has launched its new Oxoid Air Sampler. This robust, high-specification air sampler is designed to monitor microbiological air quality in clinical environments, and relies on proven impaction technology that has been used in infection control applications for many years.

Preston-based Image Solutions has launched the personalDV system to provide highresolution fixed- and live-cell imaging in a single integrated bench-top format.

Stuart, the benchtop equipment brand from Barloworld Scientific, has updated its popular shaker incubator range with a versatile new model packed with useful features.