A major software upgrade for the RAPIDComm Data Management System (V6.0) makes it possible to centrally manage in vitro diagnostics analysers and operators at the point-of-care (POC). In addition to the system’s enhanced productivity and performance features, RAPIDComm V6.0 now connects with POC cardiac devices. Point-of-care coordinators face tremendous workflow challenges when implementing and managing POC testing programmes. They are typically responsible for managing the testing done at dozens of locations on hundreds of devices and by thousands of operators, all while ensuring results are delivered quickly and reliably, and that compliance requirements of the laboratory remain satisfied. RAPIDComm V6.0 offers a complete solution for POC data management with the addition of cardiac support. With connectivity to the Stratus CS 200 Acute Care Diagnostic System, the RAPIDComm system facilitates increased accessibility and oversight for point-of-care coordinators. System features such as the lock-out component—which prohibits operators not yet certified to use the equipment from running tests—are designed to improve compliance practices and enhance patient safety. With the introduction of several performance and productivity features, RAPIDComm V6.0 also reduces manual intervention and physical transmittal of data from one device to another. RAPIDComm system V6.0 integrates with multiple host connections and includes time synchronization with the CLINITEK Status Connect System, which automatically synchronizes the instruments daily for consistency across the point-of-care environment. RAPIDComm system V6.0 also introduces a new configurable backup utility, making it easier for customers with remote database configurations to directly manage their database backup activities. Further, Material Use Reports for diabetes and urinalysis aid in inventory management, while Device Status alerts, email notifications and operator comments alert coordinators when the instruments need attention.
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Among the most clinically significant multidrug-resistant bacteria are carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Because these bacteria usually remain susceptible to polymyxins, interest in this old class of antibiotics has been recently renewed. However, the increasing use of colistin explains why Enterobacterial strains resistant to colistin are increasingly reported worldwide. Currently available polymyxins susceptibility methods are fastidious and time-consuming (24 hours). ELITechGroup Microbiology releases its new Rapid Polymyxin NP test proposed as a rapid, reliable and cost-effective test to detect polymyxins (polymyxin E or Colistin, polymyxin B) resistant Enterobacteriaceae. This test is based on the detection of the glucose metabolization related to bacterial growth in presence of a defined concentration of colistin. Formation of acid metabolites consecutive to the glucose metabolization is evidenced by a colour change (orange to yellow) of a pH indicator. The Rapid Polymyxin NP test is easy-to-perform, very sensitive and specific. It can detect in only a couple of hours polymyxin-resistant and –susceptible isolates from any enterobacterial species, regardless of the molecular mechanism of polymyxins resistance. This test offers the possibility of detecting polymyxins resistance from bacterial cultures before any antimicrobial drug susceptibility testing results are obtained. Results are obtained at least 16 hours sooner with this test than with the reference broth microdilution method. It is as reliable as the reference dilution technique but much less cumbersome and is not based on diffusion of large polymyxin molecules in agar, which therefore prevents false susceptibility results. The rapid polymyxin NP test can be used to screen resistance to polymyxins in countries facing endemic spread of carbapenemase producers and for which polymyxins are last-resort drugs. But it also enables anywhere else the rapid identification of carriers of polymyxin resistant isolates, thus leading to rapid implementation of adequate hygiene measures to control their spread.

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Fecal calprotectin (fCAL) is the most important marker for in vitro diagnostic detection of gut inflammation. Immunological quantitation is well established and is used in the diagnostic work-up of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and in the lifelong monitoring of these chronic conditions.
fCAL testing today requires a raised level of lab resources including stool sample handling, extraction and the use of traditional immunological testing methods, i.e. ELISA.
The BÜHLMANN fCAL turbo assay is a big step towards full automation. It reduces the time to result to 10 minutes and the total hands-on time significantly. It offers the possibility of random access on your existing clinical chemistry platform. Validated applications are available for many analysers.
The combination with the proprietary extraction device CALEX Cap for pre-analytical sample preparation simplifies and accelerates stool diagnostics significantly. The BÜHLMANN fCAL turbo utilizes the well-established standardization of the BÜHLMANN fCAL ELISA to provide reliability, comparability and continuity of measurements.

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The FastPack IP System is a fully automated quantitative immunoassay analyser designed for use in any size physician office laboratory. Utilizing sophisticated chemiluminescence technology, it provides the capability to produce complex immunoassay results in 12 minutes or less with a push of a button. The FastPack IP System is versatile and requires minimal space while offering a test menu that will make a clinical impact at the point-of-care. Assays include Vitamin D, Testosterone, TSH, Free T4, PSA and hCG. The system is simple to use with no specialized training required and “One Touch” operation providing an easy to use format. The innovative reagent pack contains all assay reagents for no chemical exposure with minimal hands-on time. No system maintenance is required. “On Demand” results increase office efficiencies by decreasing patient call-backs, while patient side answers allow for the adjustment of replacement therapy on the spot. The system requires minimal space, yet provides laboratory accuracy and precision at the simple push of a button. It utilizes monoclonal antibody technology coupled with a patented chemiluminescence substrate for true laboratory performance.

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