A new middleware for clinical chemistry, microbiology and molecular biology labs is available. 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 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. The 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, this middleware effectively meets the challenges facing lab managers. Responding to the increase in Point of Care Testing, a POCT Data Manager function is offered. 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. Detailed real-time data on total turnaround time (TAT) – a key performance indicator in large laboratories striving to increase throughput – is also provided. If a LIS/LIMS system goes down, the backup module allows manual input of sample information. Manual samples are then matched to LIS/LIMS data once the connection is restored.
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Based on fluorescence in situ hybridisation and designed to differentiate Staphylococcus aureus from coagulase-negative Staphylococci in positive blood cultures, the hemoFISH S.aureus/CNS Screen supports clinicians in effectively managing blood stream infections. The test also fits perfectly in today’s laboratory routine. Total turnaround time is only 15 minutes so that results can be reported together with the Gram stain. In addition, up to 12 blood cultures can be processed and analysed simultaneously, allowing microbiologists to apply this test in a batch mode. Importantly, the simple and robust assay procedure, which includes intrinsic controls in every test, is very accurate.Besides the hemoFISH product line, multiplex tests for semi-quantitative identification of pneumoniarelated pathogens directly from respiratory secretions are offered.
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Performing a haematology and biochemistry screen in 15 minutes is never normally achieved without sending samples off to a lab, which is virtually impossible in locations such as rural Africa. A health screening package based on dry reagent technology, the revolutionary design of the Insight Diagnostic System will now allow a full haematology, biochemistry and infectious disease profile to be performed within a short time period using just capillary blood at the point of care. The 3-component system combines the SpotChem EZ clinical chemistry analyser, the QBC Autoread Plus haematology analyser and the QBC ParaLens Advance fluorescence microscopy system. The dry reagent technology eliminates many of the issues faced by clinicians relating to storage space, biohazardous waste and spillages. The system does not require any regular servicing or maintenance. The clinical chemistry analyser is easy to use and provides the capability to test a total of 22 biochemistry parameters. The haematology system uses specially designed capillary tubes and can measure nine clinically significant haematology parameters in just seven minutes. Once the haematology process is complete, the same capillary tube containing the patient sample can be immediately examined for infectious disease parasites, including malaria, filariasis and trypanosamiasis, using the fluorescence microscopy system.
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Manufactured and certified to ISO Guide 34, using ISO 17025 accredited processes in LGC’s own laboratories, the the LoGiCal range of certified reference materials offers scientists a choice of natural and deuterium labelled compounds, each supplied with a detailed Certificate of Analysis. The certified reference materials fully satisfy national and international labelling and other requirements for transportation, health and safety. The range focuses on the forensic and clinical sectors. Initially providing laboratories with access to over 800 of the most widely used standard reference materials, the new product range will comprise drugs of abuse and prescription drugs in standard solutions and powder format, with stocks maintained locally at LGC Standards international offices to help eliminate delays due to the complex, lengthy import procedures associated with the procurement of controlled substances.
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Versatility is the great advantage of the new VACUETTE® Secondary Tubes developed by Greiner Bio-One. Th e tubes are available in two different types of material: PP (Polypropylene) and PET (Polyethylene terephthalate). They are perfectly suited for various uses inside and outside the laboratory, e.g. aliquoting, pooling, centrifuging, freezing, storing or transporting sample material. Thanks to the special screw closure, they fulfill the IATA guidelines for safe sample transport. Naturally they also meet the CLSI Standard AUTO 1-A. The tubes are easy to open, cold-resistant (-80 °C), transparent and shatter-proof. In order to off er the appropriate packaging for each application, Greiner Bio-One has developed two versions. VACUETTE® Secondary Tubes MULTIPLEX are packaged in pull-open plastic bags, whereas VACUETTE® Secondary Tubes SIMPLEX were developed especially for use with automated laboratory equipment. They are offered in environmentally friendly cardboard packaging. As they are already packaged pre-aligned in the cardboard container, they can be transferred directly into the storage container (plastic or metal box) of the laboratory machine. This is especially practical and saves valuable working time.
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