Fast-track diagnostics kits are now sold in sizes of 32 and 64 reactions. The new formats will provide the greatest possible levels of flexibility to customers, as laboratories can aliquot reagents according to their specific needs. The ability to undertake variable run sizes (32 reaction kits allow 1 to 30 patient samples to be tested per run, while 64 reaction kits allow 1 to 62 patient samples to be tested) means all laboratories can run their tests in the way best suited to them, no matter the size. In addition, the kits will allow for easier comparison with other products, lower transport costs and easier ordering. The new kit sizes will still contain the company’s optimized primers and probes and internal, positive and negative controls as well as mastermix – enzyme and buffer (all in single bulk tubes). All the reagents are now provided in one box, and there is no need to order extra controls for small run use. Fast-track diagnostics has  a wide range of kits available for single and multiplex detection of infectious diseases. Kits are available for over 100 different pathogens – including viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites – most are in syndromic multiplexes to aid clinical diagnosis. The entire range is compatible with many of the thermalcyclers and extraction methods commonly found in modern laboratories.

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BioSystems launches a new reagent for measurement of homocysteine in serum and plasma. Homocysteine (Hcy) is a thiol containing amino acid synthesized as an intermediate product of methionine metabolism. Homocysteine levels in serum or plasma are measured for diagnosing and monitoring different conditions. Hyperhomocysteinemia is considered to be involved in many diseases from cardiovascular (stroke and hypertension risk factor) to neurological diseases (such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy and cerebrovascular disease) among others (diabetes, osteoporosis…), so its measurement is important for the detection and monitoring of many different conditions. It is also important in case of folate and/or vitamin B12 deficiency and as part of neonatal screening for homocystinuria diagnosis. BioSystems introduces this method in its portfolio for both manual and automated systems (applications available on request). Different presentations are available: Ax5 (50mL; ref. 12737) & ASR (76 mL; ref. 21737). Controls and calibrators are not included.

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The ASSURE Palm Reader used with MULTISURE HCV is a CE marked professional small instrument for rapid and automated analysis of HCV. This combination is ideal for meeting the needs of healthcare professionals for point-of-care testing. The MP Diagnostics MULTISURE HCV antibody assay is a multi-parameter qualitative immunochromatographic assay for the in-vitro detection of antibodies to HCV in human whole blood, plasma or serum. This innovative design reads HCV Core, NS3, NS4, NS5 protein bands and is also equipped with the company’s patented reverse flow technology which gives the user strong visual identification, easy interpretation of results and reduced accordance of intermediates. A fully integrated hand held instrument with software and barcode technology, the MP Diagnostics ASSURE Palm Reader, in combination with the MULTISURE HCV assay, offers the advantages of result interpretation, documentation and ease of use of point-of-care testing for HCV in only 15 minutes.

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The new EUROPattern system provides automated high-speed acquisition, archiving and interpretation of immunofluorescence images, supporting autoimmune disease diagnostics, in particular the analysis of anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibodies (ANCA). Alongside a high-precision optical system it has a controlled LED, which maintains a constant light flux, ensuring highly reproducible results. The exceptionally long life span (over 50,000 hours) and low power consumption of the cLED ensure cost-effectiveness. The microscope can process up to 500 analyses in succession, correctly identifying the slides by means of matrix codes. The EUROPattern system includes powerful pattern recognition software which identifies and classifies all ANA, anticytoplasmic antibodies and ANCA, even if more than one antibody is present. The system also evaluates anti-dsDNA antibodies on Crithidia luciliae as well as transfected cell substrates. Results are viewed on the PC screen, and can be checked retrospectively at the microscope if necessary. Images from further substrates such as liver, kidney and stomach can be recorded and archived. The laboratory management system EUROLabOffice, organises workflow and documents all data and processes. The software consolidates all results into one report per patient and also compares new findings with previous records. Different user levels provide a hierarchical review of results, thus increasing security. Final reports can be signed electronically and forwarded at a click of the mouse.
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Oxcarbazepine is a pro-drug indicated for treatment of partial seizures, a form of epilepsy. Serum concentrations (3-35 mg/L) of the active monohydroxy derivative (MHD) metabolite are associated with clinically effective control of partial seizures. Toxic side effects may occur more commonly at concentrations greater than 35 mg/L. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is justified when changes are expected that might alter MHD clearance including pregnancy, concomitant use of liver enzyme inducing drugs, or renal insufficiency. The ARK Oxcarbazepine Metabolite Assay is a homogeneous enzyme immunoassay intended for the quantitative determination of MHD in human serum on automated clinical chemistry analysers. The ARK Oxcarbazepine Metabolite Assay is available for export outside the US. It has not received clearance/approval by the U.S. FDA.
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