Abdominal pain and diarrhoea are common symptoms of conditions ranging from chronic inflammatory bowel disease to infections of the digestive tract, celiac disease or irritable bowel syndrome. Complete blood count and other inflammatory parameters in the blood are also not specific to inflammation localized in the intestines, so diagnoses of inflammatory bowel disease are often made with considerable delay. On the other hand, people with functional diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome are often referred to painful and actually needless diagnostic procedures. Calprotectin in stool is an ideal marker for differentiation between intestinal inflammation and irritable bowel syndrome. Elevated levels of calprotectin in stool samples are found in cases of inflammatory bowel disease, infectious gastroenteritis, or colorectal carcinoma. For functional disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, and in celiac disease, calprotectin levels are within the normal range. The detection of fecal calprotectin is a simple, non-invasive test that can reasonably be carried out before any imaging or endoscopy, and thus helps to avoid unnecessary, painful and costly colonoscopies in patients with functional diarrhoea. The non-invasive calprotectin tests can easily be performed in children and pregnant women, with no adverse effects. Calprotectin concentrations correlate with disease activity in ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. They decline with response to therapy, and increasing calprotectin levels may indicate relapses even before clinical symptoms become evident. Calprotectin in stool samples is an accurate early indicator for intestinal inflammation and is now available for Orgentec’s Alegria instrument with fully automated walk-away design. The Alegria system allows for rapid automated analysis of single samples and up to 30 tests in only 90 minutes. There are no limits for sample selection. Laboratory parameters from autoimmunity (e.g. if celiac disease is suspected) or infectious disease serology can be analysed simultaneously in one single automated Alegria test run.
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Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are responsible for a high number of patient deaths in hospital settings and significantly contribute to health care costs. The reduction of healthcare-associated MRSA infections could potentially improve patient outcome and reduce the level of service, provided test results can be turned around in an adequate time and testing is cost effective. The Sentosa SA Direct MRSA/SA PCR test is a rapid PCR 4-plex assay for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of S. aureus Type I to VII and XI SCCmec/orf X cassettes including mecC. Test results are available after only 2.5 hours with minimum hands-on time due to automated reporting. Differential target detection reduces the number of false positive MRSA results caused by cassette “empty” mecA or S. epidermidis infections. The reliable and cost efficient Sentosa SA Direct MRSA/SA PCR test is well suited for today’s healthcare settings and an excellent alternative to culture methods or more cost-intensive PCR tests.

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Available in 1mL, 2mL, 5mL, 10mL and 25mL volumes, Globe Scientific’s new plastic serological pipettes are manufactured as a single piece. Unlike other brands in which separate tip and mouth pieces are welded to the main body, the company’s one-piece seamless design eliminates the weld points that trap liquid. This unique design provides faster fill and release rates, ensures a complete flow out of the sample and offers a higher degree of accuracy. Each pipette has an aerosol barrier plug to prevent both liquid and aerosols from contaminating the pipettor. These serological pipettes are produced from crystal clear polystyrene and are colour coded for easy volume identification. The calibration of the pipettes is certified for accuracy. Sterile pipettes are RNase-free, DNase-free, non-pyrogenic, non-haemolytic and non-cytotoxic.
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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) present an increasing challenge to healthcare systems worldwide. Early and correct diagnosis is important as STIs can lead to other significant health problems including infertility, many infections are asymptomatic and remain undiagnosed, and undiagnosed STIs can increase the risk of uncontrollable spread. Allowing rapid, simultaneous detection of ten sexually transmitted infection pathogens from urine samples or urogenital swabs, the Randox STI array is a highly sensitive and specific PCR amplification assay coupled with Biochip Array technology. Rapid multiplexing capbility is provided with results available in less than three hours. The pathogens detected include: Chlamydia trachomonas; Neisseria gonorrhoea; Trichomonas vaginalis; Treponema pallidum; Herpes simplex I; Herpes simplex II; Mycoplasma hominis; Mycoplasma genitalium; Ureaplasm urealyticum and Haemophilus ducrey.
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The newest version of Alere’s epoc Blood Analysis System is available. A cost-effective, point-of-care testing solution that makes use of Smartcard technology and wireless connectivity, the system provides real-time, lab-quality blood gas, electrolyte and metabolite results at the patient’s bedside. Testing that is run through a central lab can typically take up to 40 minutes to complete, but, with this platform, clinicians are able to access results immediately and make vital treatment decisions, all while minimising operational costs. Hosted on a new handset, the new system has even more functionality than its predecessor. Platform enhancements include a built-in 2D barcode, alpha-numeric keyboard and improved connectivity. The Microsoft Windows Mobile Operating System has also been upgraded, making the platform even faster, allowing for more robust use in a critical care environment, and optimising screen resolution so results can be easily read.
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