RECENT PRODUCT NEWS

Oxford Gene Technology (OGT) has launched an update to its SureSeq Interpret software, included with purchases of SureSeq NGS panels. Designed to help researchers effortlessly translate cumbersome NGS data into meaningful results, the enhanced software has been developed in response to customer needs.

Vector Laboratories has introduced VECTASHIELD Vibrance – anti-fade mounting medium that delivers significant improvements to the immunofluorescence workflow. VECTASHIELD Vibrance produces increased brightness over the entire visible spectrum, including far-red fluorophores, compared to existing mounting medium offerings.

ViroStat has released a new monoclonal antibody to the rickettsiae LPS. It is reactive with all members of the spotted fever group of rickettsiae. It does not cross react with the typhus group (R. typhi or R. prowazekii). This new antibody functions in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and may also function in other rapid test formats.

Torrey Pines Scientific has launched its new EchoTherm SC25XT fully programmable variable speed shaking dry bath for use with biological and other samples. The SC25XT is fully programmable with five-programme memory and a temperature range from –20°C to 100°C.

A new series of compact refrigerators has been developed to address the need of clinical laboratories and patient care facilities for cold storage equipment that enable secure and energy-efficient storage while offering quiet operation and a small footprint. The Thermo Scientific TSG series was introduced during the 70th American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) Annual Scientific Meeting held recently in Chicago.

Expedeon has introduced five new Alexa Fluor labels to its range of Lightning-Link antibody labelling kits, expanding the range of labels and offering customers increased choice and flexibility for common fluorescence detection-based applications.

Although anyone can have albumin in their urine, elevated levels are an early warning sign that the kidneys are not functioning properly. A simple albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) test can be used to screen for increased urinary albumin excretion.

Astrovirus is a relatively newly discovered family of non-enveloped RNA viruses that cause gastroenteritis in animals and humans. Young children and the elderly are most susceptible due to underdeveloped or waning immune systems, respectively. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration.

Hamilton has expanded its product range for single-use applications to cater for the growing demand of sophisticated sensors in single-use bag and benchtop applications. The completed line of pH sensors for single-use applications have a length of up to 425mm. Such long length is nowadays needed for single-use applications in rigid wall bioreactors. The sensors of the OneFerm product line are available with various electrical connector configurations.

With expanded imaging capabilities, Olympus has launched version 2.1 of its imaging platform cellSens. Enabling researchers to create clean and detailed images in less time, this latest version of cellSens delivers faster deconvolution and improved feature sets across all software levels.

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a Flavivirus spread by mosquitos in South-East Asia and the Western Pacific regions. Most infections cause little or no symptoms; however, occasional inflammation of the brain can occur. Mortality is highest in children but an effective vaccine is available.

EKF Diagnostics has announced US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for its hand-held, reagent-free haemoglobin analyser, the DiaSpect Tm, for use in point-of-care (POC) testing.

Horiba UK Medical has launched its new Yumizen G range of instruments and reagents. Marking a milestone in the company’s product development programme, the Yumizen G range extends its haematology portfolio into the complementary field of haemostasis.

Bio-Techne has expanded the automation capabilities of its Advanced Cell Diagnostics (ACD)-branded RNAscope in situ hybridisation (ISH) technology with the launch of several new and updated assays. The developments increase both access to, and use of, RNAscope and improve overall robustness and ease of use. The continued investment in automation builds on successful agreements with equipment providers and is driven by Bio-Techne’s desire to facilitate drug discovery and development via rapid, easy, and accurate gene expression detection and localisation.

SpeeDx’s ResistancePlus MG Positive Control kit has now been listed with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for sale in the United States. The ResistancePlus MG Positive Control kit contains synthetic DNA to simulate Mycoplasma genitalium, as well as five mutations known to confer resistance to macrolide antibiotics.

Phenomenex has introduced Strata-X-Drug B Plus, a solid-phase extraction (SPE) sample preparation product for urine drug testing in clinical and forensic toxicology. An expansion of Phenomenex’s drug testing product line, the new Drug B Plus option joins the original Strata-X-Drug B, which is designated for matrices such as plasma, whole blood and serum.

Radiometer has announced the commercial launch of its CE-marked point-of-care tests for creatinine and urea, the latest additions to the ABL90 FLEX PLUS blood gas analyser’s test menu. The versatile ABL90 FLEX PLUS is the only compact blood gas analyser to offer such an extensive range of critical care parameters – blood gas, electrolytes, metabolites and co-oximetry.

Stago has launched a compact platelet aggregation system for the faster exploration and evaluation of platelet function in citrated platelet-rich plasma. The eight- and four-channel instruments, the TA-8V and TA-4V, bring specialist testing for potential platelet disorders closer to the patient. This helps to speed the diagnostic pathway while saving laboratory time and costs.

Oxford Gene Technology (OGT) has launched a new version of its Cytocell fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) probes website, which is designed to provide information and advice, offer refined functionality, and be easy to use. Cytocell is known for its complete and comprehensive range of FISH probes, customer support, service and expertise. In order to share this expertise and knowledge, OGT has redeveloped the website to increase accessibility.

PIPETMAX is an easy-to-use, automated liquid-handling platform that increases the reproducibility and pace of experiments. With a multitude of applications at a user’s disposal, such as quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) cell-based assays, scientists can maximise their time at the bench.