Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is a genetic disorder which can cause haemolytic anaemia when people with the disorder come into contact with drugs, food and other substances which cause oxidative stress. G6PD deficiency is the most common enzyme deficiency worldwide. Diagnosis of G6PD deficiency is important in the treatment of disease because many oxidant drugs such as anti-malaria drugs, sulphur drugs and ascorbic acid cause a haemolytic anaemia especially for the G6PD deficient patients. Therefore, it is highly recommended to test for G6PD deficiency in patients before the treatment of oxidant drugs, especially for malaria patients, to protect against severe haemolytic anaemia. The CareStart G6PD deficiency test contains a strips in test device. The kit comprises of a single layer strip contained G6PD assay mixture. The assay is based on formazan method using tetrazolium compound. A whole blood sample with normal G6PD activity produces a purple colour in the reading window as it migrates to the strip. A whole blood sample deficient in G6PD activity shows no colour in the reading window.
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A walk-away automated system for cervical cancer slide preparation, ThinPrep 5000 is capable of processing up to 20 gynaecological (or general cytology) slides per batch utilising ThinPrep technology for dispersion, collection and transfer of cells. During dispersion the sample vial is spun to separate debris and mucus and to randomise the cells. These are then collected on the exterior surface of the Pap test filter with the help of a vacuum and software that monitors the rate of flow. Finally the cells are transferred to a defined circular area on a microscope slide for examination. Thirty-five slides can be processed per hour.
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Early detection of HCV infection is vital in order to provide consolidated care of acute and chronic infection, and adequate treatment of drug response monitoring is crucial to overall therapy success. Patients undergoing a peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin therapy can be monitored precisely by real-time PCR measurement. The novel Elecsys anti-HCV II immunoassay on cobas e modules allows the early qualitative detection of antibodies against HCV. The updated assay delivers enhanced convenience, specificity, increased reliability and consistency for improved efficiency in screening patients as well as blood donors. Following the identification of HCV antibodies, testing for HCV RNA, which is a crucial marker in the management of hepatitis C, confirms the infection and facilitates prediction of treatment response. Sensitive HCV RNA qualitative and quantitative tests to measure viral load and predict drug response are available on the COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan fully automated platform.
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A fully automated rotary microtome with four mechanised cutting modes, the Thermo Scientific HM355S delivers exceptional quality sections across an extensive range of specimen types. Concern for operator safety is integral to the design with an obvious Emergency Stop, manual and electronic braking mechanisms and a unique double-tap start function ensuring only intentional operation, protecting both the user and the specimen from accidental damage. The long 72mm vertical cutting stroke, large wraparound waste tray, programmable cutting window and memory positioning all contribute in streamlining workflow and improving sectioning efficiency, for specimens up to SuperMega cassette size.
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Cryptosporidiosis is routinely diagnosed by microscopic analysis of stool samples using organic dyes, or by immunostaining with direct fluorescent antibody, and it can be difficult to detect. Similarly, Giardia lamblia infection is frequently misdiagnosed, relying on poorly performing antigen-based testing. A new enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for the qualitative detection of Cryptosporidium and G. lamblia antigens in human faecal specimens from patients displaying gastrointestinal symptoms, the Prolisa Cryptosporidium/Giardia EIA kit offers precise results with high sensitivity and excellent specificity, enabling accurate diagnosis of infection. This convenient, rapid and easy-to-use method of detecting Cryptosporidium and G. lamblia is supplied in a 96-well test size consisting of detachable stripwells. This assay uses monoclonal anti-Cryptosporidium and anti-G. lamblia antibodies to ensure excellent sensitivity and specificity for high value diagnostic results. It can be performed manually as well as on most automated platforms for increased workflow flexibility.
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