IRIS Diagnostics, now part of Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, is dedicated to developing, manufacturing and marketing complete urinalysis systems and innovative sample preparation instrumentation for hospital and reference laboratories worldwide. As the leader of automated urinalysis, IRIS’s image technology is recognized as the gold standard in automated urine microscopy. The optional iQ200 body fluids module provides true cell-count standardization and onscreen viewing of bacteria, crystals and cellular abnormalities, while reducing send-out costs and delays. Additionally, IRIS sample processing offers a complete line of small, quiet, benchtop centrifuge products that offer lower cost, improved efficiency and enhanced safety for the laboratory. These high-speed centrifuges reduce turnaround time and provide quality samples in just two to five minutes.
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Three new ELISA testing kits for the detection of sedative drugs Zopiclone, Zaleplon and Zolpidem are now available. These drugs behave in a similar ways to benzodiazepines. The Z drugs are found in prescription medications, however, they should only be used for a short time period as extended use can lead to tolerance. The misuse of Z drugs is widespread as a result of both dependence and recreational use. Incidents of unusual or inappropriate behaviour have been linked to misuse of Z drugs, where the patients had no memory of their actions. Some users have reported sleepwalking, sleep driving, binge eating, and performing other daily tasks while asleep. Randox Toxicology has developed three ELISA kits for the detection of Z drugs in urine and blood specimens. The Zolpidem ELISA offers an unbeatable Limit of Detection (LOD) of 0.4ng/ml in urine and 0.52ng/ ml in blood. The Zopiclone and Zaleplon ELISA kits are the first immunoassays available for the rapid detection of these drugs. Prior to this, the only way to detect Zopiclone and Zaleplon was with timely chromatographic analysis. The company also provides an automated ELISA plate reader, capable of reading 96 wells in 30 seconds. In addition to the Z drug ELISA kits, Randox Toxicology provides a multiplex Biochip Array which targets Zolpidem, Zopiclone, Zaleplon and their metabolites simultaneously from a single, undivided specimen. The advanced multiplex method consolidates ELISA tests onto a small 9x9mm biochip, enhancing the ability for toxicologists to quickly detect these sedatives.
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The BA400 clinical chemistry and turbidimetry analyser offers excellent performance to laboratories looking towards achieving highest efficiency with optimal operative cost. It has been designed to provide high operating autonomy, through its high capacity for samples (135; 90 with direct barcode reading) and reagents (88 positions) and capability to operate up to 9 hours of continuous working without refilling/voiding the system’s reservoirs. The BA400 incorporates proprietary LED technology for the optical system, with virtually no maintenance and without optical interferences. It uses a battery of high power LED monochromatic sources with 8 working wavelengths covering the most demanding methods of routine and specific chemistry. Maintenance is simplified using distributed electronics through CAN (Controller Area Network) bus system, thus significantly optimizing performance and reducing down times; low mechanical wear dispensing pumps with ceramic piston are capable of operating up to 5 millions cycles. The analyser is also equipped with an independent powered reagents cooling system to ensure on board stability
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LABGEO HC10 is a fast and easy to use 3-part WBC differential automated hematology analyser offering an optimal solution for clinics and practices. This analyser delivers reliable & accurate results within 45 seconds to enable rapid diagnosis and increase patient satisfaction. Also with a simple three-step testing process and the use of automated sample loader, this device is easy to use and prevents contamination.

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The Active-B12 assay from Axis-Shield provides an innovative and highly accurate method for assessing Vitamin B12 status and is now available in the USA. The Axis-Shield assay measures Holotranscobalamin, the bio-active form of the vitamin. Holotranscobalamin represents only 10-30% of circulating B12 but is the only form taken up and utilised by the cells of the body – the Active-B12 assay therefore gives a more accurate assessment of the body’s B12 status. The use of a specific monoclonal antibody for Holotranscobalamin means that the assay does not suffer from the interference from anti-Intrinsic Factor antibodies which can be a medically serious failing of some traditional Vitamin B12 testing methods. The Axis-Shield Active-B12 assay is a standard 96-well ELISA with break-apart strips and is supplied with all required reagents, calibrators and controls. The kit is compatible with liquid-handling automates for higher throughput.
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