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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