C155

Automated fluorometric plate reading system

Developed for use with Sensititre microtitre plates, the Sensititre OptiRead automated fluorometric plate reading system combines fluorescence technology with the powerful SWIN software system. MIC plates can be quickly and accurately read, maximising consistency and eliminating manual reading. The system provides user-friendly automation for busy laboratorians, rapidly transferring test results for processing, interpretation and report generation, and improving efficiency and productivity. The instrument’s compact design conserves valuable laboratory space, operating as either standalone, or in combination with the fully automated ARIS 2X reading and incubation system, replacing the current AutoReader instrument.
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C144

Point-of-Care blood analysis system

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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C167 clap

Chemiluminescence analyser

Suitable for any autoimmune laboratory, and offering precise quantification and a broad dynamic range using chemiluminescent technology, the BIO-FLASH is a fully automated, random access chemiluminescent analyser. The instrument provides enhanced workflow efficiencies, ease-of-use and improved assay performance compared with existing enzyme-based systems. With its stable on-board reagents, which allow for samples to be run as they arrive, and its stored calibration curves, even the most specialised autoimmune tests are efficient to perform. The instrument has a through-put of up to 64 tests per hour, with results available in as little as 30 minutes.
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C170

Trefoil Factor 3 (TFF3) ELISA

Human Trefoil Factor 3 (TFF3) belongs to the trefoil factor family that also includes Trefoil Factors 1 and 2. It is mainly expressed in gastrointestinal tract, and in the mucous layer of the small and large intestine. Kidney is another major site of TFF3 expression. Overexpression of TFF3 has been reported in patients with various neoplasms including intestinal, pancreatic and prostate carcinomas. It is typically expressed in the lower oesophagus undergoing intestinal metaplasia. Urinary TFF3 protein levels are markedly reduced in response to renal tubular injury. Higher urinary TFF3 levels indicates ongoing repair of damaged kidney. Urinary TFF3 can be a marker of kidney disease. The Human TFF3 ELISA has enhanced BioVendor’s portfolio of diagnostic kits for renal disease, oncology, immune response, infection and inflammation, and metabolic syndrome. The kit is suitable for use with serum, plasma, urine and bronchoalveolar lavage samples.
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C142

Test for cytomegalovirus

As with other members of the herpes virus family, cytomegalovirus (CMV) is typically latent after primary infection. It can reactivate when the immune system is significantly weakened, such as following organ transplantation, and cause fever, organ rejection and even death. Focus diagnostics’ Simplexa CMV molecular test kit on the 3M Integrated Cycler is now available in Europe. The test is designed to enable hospital labs to perform advanced molecular testing for CMV in patients with compromised immunity, particularly those undergoing organ transplantation. The test employs RT PCR to quantitatively detect CMV in whole blood specimens and plasma.
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C149

Combined slidemaker and stainer

The newest instrument in Beckman Coulter’s Coulter Cellular Analysis System, the UniCel DxH Slidemaker Stainer (DxH SMS) prepares slides automatically based on slide orders received from laboratory information systems, using customisable criteria for blood film preparation and adjustable staining protocols. With hands-free operation and utilising innovative proprietary technology and lean design principles, the instrument is designed to increase laboratory productivity by providing users with state-of-the-art technology, a reliable system to minimise laboratory downtime and consistently excellent smear quality. Minimal operator intervention is required. Features are included to help laboratory personnel easily track samples and increase productivity. The sophisticated sample tracking tool allows users to find the slide location by simply searching for a particular patient. It includes default protocols as well as an open system where users can select a stain that is suitable for their laboratory. By combining and automating the slide stainer and slide maker into one module, a small footprint is offered and very little maintenance is required. Additionally, customised configurations are provided allowing labs to meet nearly every level of throughput and ‘load ‘n’ go’ capabilities to increase daily productivity levels. State-of-the-art software includes an intuitive interface, thermal printing and 2D barcode scanning.
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C164

Semi-automatic intestinal parasite analyser

Preparing each specimen manually to examine for intestinal parasites is a very laborious process. The ParaSys parasite analyser significantly increases laboratory throughput, optimising human resources as well as reducing costs for slides, coverslips and pipettes. This innovative analyser provides up to 4x the sensitivity of manual techniques in a fraction of the time it takes to conduct a microscopic examination. Laboratory protocols are standardised, and the new flow cell provides a 3D view of the organisms without their morphology being distorted by the pressure of the coverslip. The analyser also allows parasites to be examined without lab personnel coming into contact with hazardous samples or reagents.
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C166

High-throughput 3-part haematology analyser

A heavy duty but compact and light-weight haematology analyser, Abacus 3 80 offers an optimal solution for hospitals, clinics and practices that require high quality and rapid complete blood count results. The built-in thermal printer, the automatic cleaning and the multilingual operating menu and large colour LCD with touch screen interface make the instrument very user-friendly. Providing 20 parameters and a complete blood count including 3-part differential, the instrument provides a throughput of 80 tests per hour, with results available in 45 seconds.
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C163

Enzymatic creatinine assay for automated clinical chemistry analysers

The measurement of creatinine is commonly used to assess renal function and estimate glomerular filtration rates (eGFR). Jaffe methods, however, tend to be imprecise and are prone to a variety of interferences which may lead to inaccurate eGFR calculations. A new enzymatic creatinine assay, which minimises these problems and offers superior performance to the older Jaffe methods, is available for use on automated clinical chemistry analysers. This 2-part, liquid stable reagent eliminates interferences from endogenous creatine and ascorbic acid. In addition haemoglobin to 500mg/dL, conjugated bilirubin to 32mg/dL and unconjugated bilirubin to 40mg/dL do not to interfere with the assay. The reagent has an 18 month shelf life and up to 30 day on-board stability. The assay is measured at 550nm, correlates well to Jaffe methods (r=0.999) and is linear to 30mg/dL. Studies conducted according to NCCLS: EP 5 protocol yielded excellent precision with CVs below 2%. Many instrument
applications are available.
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C165

Bordetella pertussis PT and FHA ELISAs

Two innovative new ELISA systems provide separate detection of the diagnostically relevant antibodies in Bordetella pertussis infections: antibodies against pertussis toxin (PT) and antibodies against filamentous haemagglutinin (FHA). Independent determination of these antibodies is critical to enable a meaningful diagnostic interpretation, as emphasised in recent publications. Determination of IgG antibodies against PT is a front-line test for the serological diagnosis of pertussis infections; it is in many cases sufficient to perform a single determination of anti-PT IgG antibodies to detect an acute infection. Results of over 100 IU/mL provide a clear indication of a fresh infection or recent vaccination, and the second blood withdrawal can be omitted. If the titre is under 40 IU/mL no further tests are required unless clinical symptoms are suggestive of a pertussis infection. Only unclear results in the range 40 to 100 IU/mL need to be followed up with a second sample taken 7-10 days later. For a more in depth investigation, IgA antibodies against PT and IgG or IgA antibodies against FHA are measured separately. Age-dependent reference ranges are available on the internet.
The Anti-Bordetella pertussis Toxin ELISA (IgA or IgG) and the Anti-Bordetella FHA ELISA (IgA or IgG) correspond to current guidelines from European reference centres. Results are evaluated in international units (IU/mL) – a worldwide first for the detection of FHA antibodies. All processes, including incubation, evaluation and result archiving, can be fully automated. A supplementary product for Bordetella serodiagnostics, the immunoblot EUROLINE Bordetella pertussis (IgA or IgG), provides separate, parallel investigation of antibodies against adenylate cyclase toxin (ACT), PT and FHA and can also be fully automated using specially developed devices and software.
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