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These versatile rotors deliver a combination of speed and high throughput for a wide range of life science research applications, and are compatible with Beckman CoulterÆs Avanti J-E and J-26XP centrifuges. These new covers are validated for microbiological containment at an independent, third-party testing facility û the UKÆs Health Protection Agency, Porton Down. They are the most recent addition to Beckman CoulterÆs biosafety initiative, which offers multiple levels of biocontainment for laboratory safety. Complete BioSafe systems û including new labware, rotors and hardware options û comprise a comprehensive solution that meets increasing demands for biosafe protocols. Applications include biomedical research and testing, handling biologicals, vaccine production facilities and biodefence programmes. ôWe are seeing increasing requests and regulations for more layers of protection against biological substances,ö explained Phil Hutcherson, the marketing manager for Beckman Coulter. ôAs a leader in centrifuge biocontainment, we are continually adding new products to this initiative.ö BioSafe labware includes: transparent Aerosolve canisters and biocertified covers; disposable HarvestLine system liners that retain the pelleted sample for direct decanting, immediate use or freezing; and one-touch sealing OptiSeal rotor tubes that eliminate the need for tube puncturing or sealing tools. A wide range of BioSafe certified rotors is offered, with special designs that include a patented fluid containment annulus and dual-locking lid. Large-volume canister systems provide a secure seal with an integrated filter to prevent aerosol contamination. The Avanti J series high-performance centrifuge and the Optima series floor and tabletop ultracentrifuges are all now offered with HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filtration, for protection against hazardous aerosols and splashes. Additionally, ultracentrifuges can be put in a biocontainment hood for an additional level of security. The company has also introduced the Biomek automated tube barcode reader (ATBCR, pictured below), which allows the processing of open-top, tube-based samples and controls. Integrated with Beckman CoulterÆs Biomek software, the new ATBCR establishes positive ID and will transfer all data sets associated with a tube or plate during pipetting. The ATBCR can read and track sample information with transfers from the original tube to a range of formats including secondary tubes, microplates and deep-well plates. It collects data during tube-to-plate reformatting, tube-to-tube aliquot sampling or accessioning. Applications include ELISA plate processing and back-up sample storage in environments such as secondary screening, preclinical development and phase I and II clinical trials. Sample information can be used for decision-making during the run, and the system provides multiple advanced options for error handling. The new ATBCR operates on the Biomek FX and NX liquid handling platforms with Span-8 pipetting arm and requires minimal deck space.