NoemaLife, Europe’s leading provider of clinical and hospital software solutions, has launched HALIA, new middleware for clinical chemistry, microbiology and molecular biology labs. Utilising a rule-based engine to deliver all-round control over laboratory workflow and sample processing, HALIA’s powerful functionality significantly improves laboratory efficiency, compliance and quality control.
The new HALIA middleware interface provides a complete web-based lab computerisation system, allowing central management and connection of all analysers through a single interface on any workstation.
HALIA’s user-configurable rule-based engine enables autoverification, sample routing and real-time clinical data capture and management for greater quality control. By supporting open automation systems and addressing issues such as regulatory compliance, workforce reductions and enhanced quality control, HALIA effectively meets the challenges facing lab managers.
Responding to the increase in Point of Care Testing, HALIA offers a POCT Data Manager function. This gives lab managers a real-time overview of all the data relating to multiple blood gas analysers or other devices, including instrument maintenance schedules and QC alerts.
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Two new microarrays based on state-ofthe- art technology provide molecular genetic risk determination for the frequently occurring hereditary conditions thrombosis and haemochromatosis. The EUROArray FV/FII Direct accurately identifies point mutations in the factor V (factor V Leiden, 1691G>A) and/or factor II (prothrombin) gene (20210G>A), which are the most frequent genetic causes of thrombosis and embolism. Mutations in the HFE (high iron) gene contributing to hereditary haemochromatosis can be detected using EUROArray Haemochromatosis Direct test systems. Either two (C282Y, H63D) or four (C282Y, H63D, S65C and E168X) parameters can be analysed in parallel. With both diseases the identification of a predisposition enables early implementation of suitable therapy or preventative measures. The procedure is extremely easy to perform, requiring no previous knowledge of molecular biology. The alleles are analysed directly from whole blood, significantly reducing costs and the hands-on time required. Results are evaluated and documented automatically using the specially developed software. Highly specific primers, ready-to-use PCR components and integrated positive controls all contribute to the reliability of the analysis. All processes are IVD validated and CE registered, and product performance is backed by extensive clinical evaluation data.
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Angiopoietinlike protein 4 (ANGPTL4), a member of the angiopoietin- like gene family, is a 406 amino acid protein with a molecular weight of 50 kDa. It is a circulating protein predominantly expressed in adipose tissue and liver, and also occurs in heart, skeletal muscles and intestines. ANGPT4 inhibits LPL and retards lipoprotein catabolism. The expression of ANGPTL4 is reported to be dramatically upregulated by hypoxic stress in endothelial cells, cardiomyocytes and tumours. In patients with type 2 diabetes, serum levels of ANGPTL4 were found to be significantly lower than those in healthy subjects, suggesting that the decreased ANGPTL4 could be a causative factor of this disease. The potential angiogenic activity of ANGPTL4 may be important in rheumatoid arthritis. The Human ANGPTL4 ELISA kit extends BioVendor’s portfolio of diagnostic kits for lipoprotein metabolism and DM2T. With serum and plasma (citrate, EDTA) samples, the 96 well-microtitre plate format is suitable for use with standard ELISA equipment.
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Many recent studies have demonstrated that Anti- Deamidated Gliadin Peptide antibodies (anti-DGP) are better markers for coeliac disease than the normal Gliadin, which is widely used as a diagnostic criterion all around the world. To satisfy the latest trends in the immunology laboratory and provide the newest technologies for autoimmune disease diagnosis, a new ELISA kit for the detection of Anti-DGP antibodies is now availble from BioSystems. The kits enable the quantitative determination of antibodies against deamidated gliadin protein epitopes (DGP) that can support the diagnosis of coeliac disease, giving additional information in combination with the company’s Anti-tTG ELISA test, and with greater cost-effectiveness. Anti DGP antibodies are also a good predictive CD marker for children younger than two years old with chronic enteropathy.
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TripleTOF technology is considered a leading platform for simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis, integrating the highest available sensitivity and speed with high resolution and accurate mass to generate better quality information from every sample. The increasing complexity of disease research is among the factors driving the need for a wider range of laboratories worldwide to adopt high-speed, accurate mass-based technology. Developed to bring the groundbreaking functionality of TripleTOF technology to routine analysis, the TripleTOF 4600 is a ‘workhorse’ system delivering unparalleled value for a variety of applications, including high-throughput discovery proteomics. Combining very fast acquisition rates with intelligent acquisition strategies, the benefits of UHPLC separations for high resolution accurate mass MS and MS/MS data are maximised. Routine accurate mass quantitative and qualitative analysis is now available to virtually any laboratory.
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