Accelerated DNA/RNA extraction using advanced magnetic technology is now possible with the Vibrance NES-32 System and DNA, RNA, and whole blood extraction kits. The Nucleic Acid Extraction System is designed to handle up to 32 samples in just 12 – 40 minutes of processing time. The magnetic particle automation process uses magnetic separation technology to directly extract pure nucleic acid. This process delivers a new calibre of high sensitivity and uniformity for enhanced productivity. Guided by the LCD touchscreen, the NES-32 offers a user friendly interface designed to edit, run, and store multiple programs. The built-in UV lamp ensures sterilization and avoids contamination. Extracted nucleic acid can be used for downstream applications such as blood screening, monitoring diseases and treatments, genetic drug therapies, and biological research. Extracted DNA/RNA can also be used for real-time PCR with the Vibrance PCR test kits.

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The NEXgen ELISA system provides total automation of microELISA testing.  The instrument is able to process 7 ELISA assay microplates simultaneously. The flexible assay environment with user friendly user interface makes the analyser particularly suitable for laboratories with a daily versatile work routine, process a wide variety of parameters in addition to high-volume sample testing. Features of the system include high speed pipetting, continuous loading of samples, minimum operator training and reliable data processing. All EIAgen microELISA assays are validated and preprogrammed. The analyser has also been designed for IFA technology adaptation.

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Annual respiratory epidemics are thought to result in 250,000 to 500,000 deaths every year, around the world. Therefore the pressure on laboratories to choose a respiratory assay that allows early, efficient and accurate patient diagnosis is crucial. With a myriad of assays available, and multiple features to consider, selecting the most appropriate product can be a challenge.

Respiratory assays from Fast-track diagnostics offer multiple unique features and are critical for improving patient diagnosis and prognosis. There are 3 – 5 million severe cases of respiratory tract infections per year, and within vulnerable patient groups’ treatment is regularly required. During winter months an increase in such infections is observed, with 2.4% of symptomatic cases requiring hospitalisation. Speed and clinical relevance are vital in respiratory diagnostics to ensure correct treatments are employed in a timely manner, and severe cases and hospital admissions are reduced.

Syndromic multiplex kits from Fast-track diagnostics allow extraction to analysis to be performed quicker (less than 2.5 hours). Unlike many competitor multiplexes, several FTD panels can differentiate between rhinovirus and enterovirus and detect parechovirus as well as other clinically relevant pathogens. So, in the same run, at the same time, all probable pathogen causes can be accurately determined, saving time, resources, reagents and money. Additionally, Fast-track diagnostics respiratory assays are supplied with all reagents in one kit and have standard, easy to follow protocols which means various kits can be tested together on the same run.

Flexibility to tailor-make a diagnostic kit relevant to the laboratories’ needs is possible due to the breadth of choice of additional respiratory and non-respiratory assays on offer. Furthermore, the assays are compatible with multiple instruments and extraction methods, meaning it is likely that laboratories will already have compatible instrumentation available. The Fast-track respiratory assays have proven reliability and usability, by satisfying strict criteria of the GABRIEL network for projects funded by the Wellcome Trust, and are used and trusted by the UK National Health Service (NHS) and US Centre for Disease Control (CDC).

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Randox offers an extensive range of diagnostic reagents, giving biochemistry laboratories the opportunity to advance their routine and niche testing

Randox has been providing laboratories with revolutionary diagnostic solutions for over 30 years. Our experience and expertise has facilitated the creation of a leading product portfolio of diagnostic reagents which are internationally recognised as being of the highest quality.

Randox offer more than 100 clinical assays, covering testing panels such as antioxidants, cardiac, coagulation, diabetes, drugs of abuse testing, lipids, renal function, specific proteins and therapeutic drug monitoring.

Furthermore, the Randox reagents range goes beyond routine chemistries. At Randox we re-invest significantly in research and development to ensure we meet the ever changing needs of the laboratory. As a result, the automated biochemistry reagents range from Randox is extensive and includes sLDL, Lp(a), H-FABP, Cystatin C, Adiponectin, Bile Acids, D-3- Hydroxybutyrate, NEFA, TAS and Zinc.

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Bio-Rad Laboratories recently announced CE IVD marking for its QX200 Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) System, the first digital PCR system for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) use in the European Union. With the CE IVD mark, medical practitioners in Europe can use the QX200 system for highly-accurate detection and quantification of nucleic acids, aiding clinical decision-making in the treatment of diseases ranging from cancer to transplant rejection and viral infection. As a diagnostic tool, the system is fast and cost-effective, making it ideal for realizing the promise of precision medicine. One aspect of cancer precision medicine that will be rapidly influenced by the QX200 ddPCR System is liquid biopsy, an increasingly popular technique used to non-invasively genotype tumours, track treatment efficacy, and predict cancer recurrence. This form of biopsy shows great promise for guiding treatment decisions. Prospective trials are currently underway to evaluate the effectiveness of liquid biopsy in a clinical setting and, specifically, the utility of combined Droplet Digital PCR and next generation sequencing in analysing genomic alterations. Since 2011, Droplet Digital PCR has been available for research use only. The technology, which partitions a DNA or RNA sample into 20,000 droplets and amplifies targeted sequences within each droplet, allows scientists to precisely detect and quantify low concentrations of target DNA and RNA sequences. This enables a range of important genomic applications, including cancer mutation detection, gene copy number determination, viral load monitoring, and gene edit detection.
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