Clostridium difficile is an anaerobic bacteria that grows in the intestine when the normal flora has been altered by treatment with antibiotics. Only toxigenic strains cause infections from mild-diarrhea to pseudomembranous colitis, potentially leading to death. Detection of Glutamate Dehydrogenase (GDH) that is an antigen marker of C.difficile proliferation allows significant cost reduction in lab diagnosis for suspected C.difficile samples. Positive GDH samples should be investigated further to test for the toxins A or/and B. The Coris C. diff-Strip is a ready-to-use immunochromatographic test that allows the specific detection of C.difficile GDH in stool specimens in a strip format. When the fecal suspension comes into contact with the strip, the solubilized conjugate migrates with the sample and both reagents come into contact with the anti-Clostridium GDH antibody adsorbed onto the nitrocellulose. If the sample contains C.difficile GDH, a red line develops. The result is visible within 15 minutes.
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Energy efficiency is a vital feature of modern laboratory equipment, reducing both environmental impact and running costs. The innovative technology in Panasonic Eco VIP Ultra-low freezers reduces energy consumption by up to 55% compared with previous models, meaning possible savings of up to €5,000 in energy costs over 10 years. With less heat generation, users can also make savings on air conditioning. The Eco VIP Ultra-low freezers dramatically reduce carbon footprints and use natural refrigerants with low global warming potential. With Class IIa medical device certification, they provide secure storage for valuable research and irreplaceable clinical samples.
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Legionella pneumophila is responsible for at least two diseases in humans: Legionnaires’ disease, which is a severe form of pneumonia, clinically indistinguishable from other types of bacterial pneumonia, and Pontiac fever which is a flu-like illness. Legionella pneumophila is often associated with systemic manifestations and is responsible for up to 10% of hospitalized pneumonia cases acquired in the community. Statens Serum Institut has developed Immuview® Legionella Blood Test which is a lateral flow test for identification of IgM against Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 and 3. It has been developed as a test primarily for patients with severe pneumonia; who have travelled abroad or been in areas with outbreak of Legionella; who have had indications of Legionella in a urine test; who have caught pneumonia when hospitalized. The Immuview® Legionella Blood test makes it possible to identify IgM antibodies against Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 and 3 early in the course of the illness, and at the stage when the patient is normally admitted to the hospital. The test contains Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 and 3 antigens, which have been applied to a lateral flow membrane. The test is simple to use and shows a result within 20 minutes. A drop of blood is added to the sample port, and a minute later four drops of running buffer is added to the buffer addition port. After 20 minutes the result can be read. ImmuView™ Legionella Blood Test is sold in kits of 10 or 50 tests including buffer, a positive control, and a score card for semi quantitative measuring.
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The Selectra Touch Pro Software for the Selectra Pro S and Pro M Clinical Chemistry Systems provides touch screen operation with intuitive design and significantly boosts laboratory productivity, reduces errors and offers detailed traceability of results. The smart colour icons guide the operator through the daily operation with minimum effort. Auto validation with 40 laboratory configurable criteria speeds results as qualified test results are sent directly to the LIS and operators can focus on exceptions. Real time individual data are traceable and archived for each result including operator, QC, calibration, control, absorbance, and reagent lot expiration. Reagents, test parameters, calibration and control values are programmed automatically via barcode with inventory tracked in real time. Maintenance tasks are automated, tracked and set up to run when the analyser is not in use. Automated and customizable start and end of day checklists ensure all essential tasks are completed. Remote access diagnostics provide real time support, helping to decrease both downtime and costs. Interactive learning through a dedicated online training website includes maintenance modules to assist operators at all times.
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