Serological tests have been developed for the detection of antibodies against MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus) in humans and in camels. MERS-CoV is an emerging pathogen which is responsible for an outbreak of severe acute respiratory illness predominantly in the Arabian Peninsula with a high number of fatalities. Camels are known hosts of the virus. The Anti-MERS-CoV indirect immunofluorescence test (IIFT) is an established, highly sensitive screening test for anti-MERS-CoV antibodies in human sera. The assay utilizes virus-infected cells as the antigenic substrate, with non-infected cells serving as a control. Positive samples yield a distinct fluorescence pattern on the infected cells. The EUROIMMUN Anti-MERS-CoV ELISA is the first commercially available anti-MERS-CoV ELISA. The assay microplates are coated with purified recombinant MERS-CoV spike protein S1 domain, which provides high sensitivity and specificity and reduces cross reactions with other human coronaviruses. Nevertheless, cross reactivity with other coronaviruses cannot be excluded with either the ELISA or the IIFT. For this reason, positive screening results should always be confirmed by a neutralization test, as stipulated by the World Health Organisation. The Anti-MERS-CoV IIFT Camel and the Anti-MERS-CoV ELISA Camel are based on the same test principles as the human tests and are suitable for determining antibody levels in camels. The human and camel serological assays have been used in numerous published studies on MERS-CoV infection mechanisms. Notably, it was found that there are no significant levels of anti-MERS-CoV antibodies in human subjects from Saudi Arabia. This implies that the virus has not been circulating in humans for long and that the majority of the population remains susceptible to infection. Studies in dromedary camels, on the other hand, have revealed high seropositivity in animals from the Arab region and Eastern Africa, even in samples that are decades old. Thus, MERS-CoV appears to have been circulating widely in dromedaries for some time. Since the virus can sporadically pass from camels to humans, dromedaries represent a significant risk factor for infection in people.

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Consolidating 45 analytes in total, the new Randox Acusera Haematology Control completely covers the commonly tested full blood profile in a single vial.  Providing a true third party solution for Sysmex haematology analysers with 5-part differential technology an unbiased, independent assessment of analytical performance is guaranteed.

The Haematology control offers the following benefits:

• Liquid ready-to-use samples require no preparation

• Target values available for Sysmex instruments with 5-part differential technology

• Barcoded labels enabling quick and easy sample recognition and increased productivity

• Open vial stability of 14 days for all analytes when stored at 2°C to 8°C

• True third party control providing unbiased performance assessment

For more information please click here

Email address: Acusera@randox.com
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Building on the principles of SMART Automation, Sakura Finetek introduces the next step in total laboratory automation, the Tissue-Tek AutoSection Automated Microtome for histopathology laboratories. The first of its kind, this fully-automated and programmable microtome aligns and trims blocks with optimal precision, section after section. AutoAlign, the core technology behind AutoSection, precisely orients blocks and dramatically reduces the risk of losing tissue. In addition, with AutoTrim technology, blocks are ready for sectioning in seconds. Another major benefit of automation and stress-free microtomy is the reduction of repetitive motion and the increase of staff satisfaction. AutoSection ensures consistent high-quality sectioning, preservation of valuable tissue, improved productivity and minimal repetitive motions.

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The Aptima HIV-1 Quant Dx assay has now been introduced on the Panther system, allowing complete sample-to-result automation in the only in vitro nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) for both the detection and quantitation of HIV-1 RNA. The Aptima HIV-1 Quant Dx assay is intended for use as an aid in both the diagnosis and confirmation of HIV-1 infection as well as in the clinical management of patients infected with HIV-1. This highly sensitive assay can detect HIV-1 RNA as low as 13 copies/mL using a 0.5 mL sample.  The Aptima HIV-1 Quant Dx assay offers the advantage of having a limit of detection (LOD) that is not equal to the lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) when utilized for diagnosis, to enable the assay to detect HIV-1 viral load below quantifiable levels. The assay’s broad dynamic range allows quantification of HIV-1 RNA, from 30 copies/mL to 10 million copies/mL. High precision in quantitation is ensured, with a narrow coefficient of variation across the linear range—including in low-viremia samples. The Aptima HIV-1 Quant Dx assay provides 3 levels of protection for confidence in assay performance despite drug selection pressures and growing genetic diversity.  This is achieved by the use of a dual-target approach for built-in redundancy, with both targets chosen within highly conserved genomic regions (LTR and pol) of HIV-1 together with a sophisticated primer design – including length – to tolerate mutations; as well as redundant oligonucleotides for additional protection against mutations. The random access Panther system eliminates batching restrictions and allows the user to run HIV-1 side by side with 3 other sexually transmitted disease/sexually transmitted infection (STD/STI) testing assays: CT/NG, HPV and Trichomonas. Primary tubes can be loaded and processed directly with no aliquot or manual transfer to a second tube required.

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