RECENT PRODUCT NEWS
Rapid and reliable detection of cryptococcal infection
The IMMY CrAg LFA (cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay) is the first immunochromatographic dipstick assay for the qualitative and semiquantitative detection of the cryptococcal capsular antigen in serum, plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Available exclusively in the UK from Alpha Laboratories, it has revolutionised cryptococcal antigen testing, with excellent sensitivity across all serotypes of Cryptococcus. CrAg LFA can detect all four CrAg serotypes, with improved sensitivity for Cryptococcus gattii infections (serotype C).- Product
Workflow efficiency and rapid tube identification
Tecan is helping to reduce waiting times for bulk sample identification with an innovative high-speed barcode scanner for its Fluent Laboratory Automation Solution. The new Fluent ID* module eliminates the need to watch and wait while the liquid-handling platform scans and identifies each sample tube, allowing 32 barcoded samples to be loaded and identified in just three seconds.- Product
Dengue antibodies for lateral-flow applications
Dengue virus is endemic in tropical countries worldwide. Mosquito-borne, the infection manifests as dengue fever, but can progress to more serious conditions including haemorrhagic fever. There are four serotypes of the virus and all are capable of causing disease. A non-structural glycoprotein (NS1) is produced during acute infection and can be found at high levels in patient serum.- Product
Multiplex real-time PCR kits for β-lactamase genes
β-lactamase enzymes inactivate β-lactam antibiotics and render them ineffective for the treatment of clinically important Gram-negative bacterial infections. Now, two new kits from Streck, available in the UK from Alpha Laboratories, provide a comprehensive, cost-effective molecular method to detect the most clinically important β-lactamases that confer resistance to penicillins, cephamycins and, in some cases, carbapenems.- Product
Ergonomic advances aid high-throughput microscopy
Combining user comfort with bright, uniform illumination, the CX43 and CX33 microscopes from Olympus are optimised for long periods of routine observation. In the design of the microscopes, frequently-used controls have been lowered, allowing a more natural position for the user’s arms during operation.- Product
Cell specificity screen for safety assessment of novel immunotherapies
Biotechnology company Retrogenix has enhanced its cell microarray technology to enable specificity screening of whole chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. The advance helps to address the need for tools to assist with the safety assessment of new cancer immunotherapies.- Product
Quick and accurate identification of microbes on chromogenic media
Synbiosis has announced that its Chromogenic ID software for use with Synbiosis colony counters now has a validated module for automatic identification of bacteria and yeasts on ThermoFisher Scientific’s Oxoid Chromogenic media. Using this software allows microbiologists to identify microbes cultured on the world’s most commonly used media rapidly and accurately.- Product
High-speed annealing and sterilisation without a gas flame
The SteriMax Smart steriliser from WLD-TEC is suitable for all laboratories, anaerobic environments and safety cabinets. This steriliser uses specifically focused infrared (IR) light which generates a hotspot for sterilising inoculating loops at a temperature of 750°C to 1000°C in only 5–10 seconds immediately, without preheating.- Product
Redefining peristaltic pump performance in bioprocessing
Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group has unveiled the innovative Quantum peristaltic pump with its patented ReNu single-use (SU) technology cartridge. Quantum aims to set the standard for high-pressure feed pumps in SU tangential flow filtration (TFF), virus filtration (VF) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).- Product
Highly complex flow cytometry analysis
Beckman Coulter Life Sciences continues to expand the multi-parameter capabilities of its CytoFLEX flow cytometer technology. Its latest model, the CytoFLEX LX, with up to six lasers and 21 fluorescence channels, delivers more parameters with the same fluorescence sensitivity and nanoparticle detection demanded by high-end researchers. The CytoFLEX flow cytometer was introduced two years ago and now offers 47 configurations through one of three series of systems: CytoFLEX, CytoFLEX S, and now the CytoFLEX LX.- Product
Revolution in real-time PCR testing
Mast Group has introduced the latest in vitro diagnostics (IVD) solutions from Seegene, a developer of multiplex IVD products. A revolution in real-time PCR, Allplex enables high-capacity multiplexing with quantitative reporting.- Product
Automated CSF cell counting system
Advanced Instruments has received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its GloCyte Automated Cell Counter System and GloCyte Low and High Level Controls. The GloCyte is now available for the UK market from Vitech Scientific.- Product
Chlamydia pneumoniae monoclonal antibodies
Chlamydia pneumoniae is a Gram-negative bacterium that infects humans, commonly causing pharyngitis, bronchitis and atypical pneumonia. It is also implicated in causing coronary artery disease. It is an obligate intracellular pathogen whose resistant elementary body (EB) form exists between human and animal hosts. As such, cell culture is required to isolate the microorganism.- Product
Three-dimensional cell culturing
Particle Works, the nano- and micro-structured material specialist, has developed a range of alginate and agarose hydrogel beads designed to enable three-dimensional (3D) cell culture growth. This bead-based environment more closely mimics in vivo conditions, providing greater access to nutrients and allowing better cell-cell interactions.- Product
Software pushing microscope boundaries
Olympus has updated its cellSens imaging software, which now provides cost-effective solutions by expanding the capabilities of manual microscopes; fast, detailed, real-time panoramic imaging is now possible without an expensive motorised or encoded stage thanks to the Instant Multiple Image Alignment (Instant MIA) function.- Product
Filtration and contamination control
Air Science's new Purair FLOW series laminar-flow cabinets are designed to protect the work surface, products and materials from particulate contamination. Room air first passes through a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter then uniformly through the cabinet interior by laminar flow to protect work from unfiltered air. Airflow is oriented to exhaust airborne particulates introduced by the user.- Product
Preparation of DNA from blood
Arcis Biotechnology, the nucleic acid sample preparation solution provider, has launched its Arcis DNA Blood Kit (IVD) for preparation of DNA from blood using a three-minute, two-step system, designed for in vitro diagnostic use. The new kit is sold in a ready-to-use format, and enables users to stabilise and extract nucleic acid from fresh or frozen whole blood samples in just three minutes, without the need for prior sample preparation steps.- Product
Fluorescence in situ hybridisation probes
Oxford Gene Technology has expanded its range of Cytocell Aquarius fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) probes for pathology. OGT has introduced three new probes, FUS Breakapart and FOXO1 Breakapart, both carrying the CE-IVD label, and TFE3 Breakapart, for research use only. This expansion reinforces OGT’s commitment to providing the most comprehensive and up-to-date range available, facilitating cancer research and diagnosis.- Product
Discover intelligent imaging
Helping to save time and increase comfort at the microscope, Olympus’ new DP74 camera for brightfield and fluorescence delivers intelligent imaging with a range of innovative features designed to facilitate workflow. Features include a Position Navigator to automatically track the position on the sample, a time-saving anti-whiteout function, and noise reduction for low-light fluorescence signals. These capabilities help to push the boundaries of any microscope, making the DP74 a truly enabling camera, highly suited both for research and routine use.- Product
Beckman Coulter announces significant investment in UK microbiology market
Beckman Coulter announces significant investment in UK microbiology market with DxN VERIS Molecular Diagnostics and MicroScan Microbiology Systems. Automated, walkaway solutions standardise and streamline the path to accurate therapeutic diagnoses, benefitting both laboratories and patients- Product
