A multiparametric indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for the simultaneous detection of infections with different old and new world hantaviruses has been developed and evaluated in an international study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases in April 2013. The IFA utilizes BIOCHIP Mosaics, with each substrate consisting of cells infected with one of the virus types Hantaan (HTNV), Puumala (PUUV), Seoul (SEOV), Saaremaa (SAAV), Dobrava (DOBV), Sin Nombre (SNV) or Andes (ANDV). In the evaluation study, 184 confirmed seropositive sera from six diagnostic centres worldwide and 89 control sera were analysed for specific antibodies of immunoglobulin classes IgG and IgM against hantaviruses using the IFA. The assay demonstrated an overall sensitivity of 100% for all serotypes with the exception of SNV (96%) and an overall specificity of at least 98% for each serotype. 99% of the patient sera exhibited IgG antibodies and 71% IgM antibodies. Notably, the IFA was able to distinguish PUUV and ANDV infections from those with murinae-borne hantaviruses such as DOBV and SEOV, thus providing useful additional information for therapeutic decision making. The authors note that many hantavirus patients are still clinically misdiagnosed as having influenza-like infections, renal failure or idiopathic acute respiratory distress syndrome. Accurate diagnosis is, however, essential given the mortality rates of up to 35% from hantavirus syndromes. The misdiagnosis rate combined with the increasing number of hantavirus infections worldwide demonstrates the need for simple and reliable tests which allow detection of all clinically relevant hantavirus serotypes. Analysis of specific antibodies is the method of choice for diagnosing hantavirus infections. By combining the most important pathogenic hantaviruses in one assay, this IFA system is suited to detect any hantaviral infection worldwide. The test is particularly suitable for serodiagnostic screening in regions where multiple serotypes are endemic.
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A new strip-based test for quick and easy hemoglobin analysis for anemia determination is now available. STAT-Site M Hgb is a pocket-sized device that reliably delivers accurate hemoglobin analysis results within 30 seconds from 15 μL of finger-prick whole blood. This hemoglobin photometer is maintenance-free, and features intuitive, step by step on-screen instructions minimize training and ensure ease of use. Due to its durability, portability and userfriendliness, STAT-Site M Hgb is especially suited to blood screening programmes in developing world markets, but it also has a niche in settings where operators are mobile. Using just one 3V Li type battery for every 1,000 tests and with an operating temperature range of 16° to 35°C, the analyser is ideal for field use.
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The reliable stabilization of blood sugar levels directly after sampling is an important precondition for the accuracy of the analysis results. VACUETTE® GLUCOMEDICS was specially developed for this application. The additive mixture in the tube stabilizes the blood sample immediately after sampling and thus impedes the breakdown of glucose over time (glycolysis). The combination of sodium EDTA, sodium fluoride, citric acid and sodium citrate acidifies the whole blood sample, resulting in the immediate and complete inhibition of glycolysis, thus setting it apart from conventional sodium fluoride tubes. The glucose concentration of whole blood and/or plasma samples is kept constant at room temperature for up to 48 hours at the “in-vivo value” (almost 100% of the original value). The dosed liquid additives ensure the easy mixing of the additive with the whole blood sample. To make up for the dilution effect of the additive, the analysis result must be multiplied by 1.16. This is required to obtain the “in-vivo glucose concentration” in the plasma.
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The DCA® HbA1c test kit, used for more than two decades to monitor patients, can now be used as an aid to diagnose diabetes and identify patients at risk for developing the disease. The dual use kit, for both monitoring and diagnosing, is available for sale in EU countries and countries not requiring any local regulatory clearances under part #10698915. Early detection and tight glycemic control help mitigate the serious conditions that accompany diabetes: heart and kidney disease, limb neuropathy, retinopathy, and stroke. More importantly, patients identified as being at risk can stop or reverse disease progression through lifestyle adjustments and/or pharmacological treatment. Availability of results at the time of visit provides healthcare providers and educators the opportunity to have meaningful, faceto- face discussions regarding treatment options. From a convenience and scheduling standpoint, it eliminates multiple visits for pre-visit blood draws or post-testing follow-up consultation. The DCA Vantage® analyser is just one of two point-of-care HbA1c analysers that meet NGSP performance criteria.
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The Randox LDL cholesterol assay utilises the clearance method for the accurate diagnosis of patient samples. The advanced reagent formula enables rapid clearance of all non-LDL lipoproteins from a sample, enabling the diagnosis of LDL cholesterol only. Furthermore, patient samples where diabetes, liver disease or high triglyceride levels are a concern can be accurately measured using the Randox LDL cholesterol assay.

The Friedewald calculation is often used in LDL measurement however the accuracy of this method is inadequate due to its dependency on “normal” triglyceride levels. At high levels of triglycerides a large number of samples are misclassified using the Friedewald calculation leading to significant discrepancies between calculated LDL cholesterol and the true value. The Randox LDL clearance method eliminates this problem and ensures truly accurate results are produced.

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