A new series of compact refrigerators has been specifically developed to address the need of clinical laboratories and patient care facilities for cold storage equipment that enable secure and energy-efficient storage of vaccines, medicines, lab kits and breast milk, while offering quiet operation and a small footprint. Powered by Phononic’s solid state cooling technology, the new TSG refrigerators have been designed to provide uninterrupted temperature stability and cleanroom-compatible readiness for reliable storage of the most sensitive materials. Furthermore, the systems offer whisper quiet operation at less than 35 dbA, meaning they can be placed in clinical laboratories, nurse’s stations, and even patient rooms and intensive care units, without disrupting the work environment and patient comfort. With ENERGY STAR-rated performance, the TSG Series refrigerators consume significantly less energy than similar models, meeting clinical settings’ sustainability objectives and reducing operating costs. In addition, as they feature fewer refrigeration components compared to other available units, they require only minimal maintenance and offer increased storage capacity. The solid state technology used in the TSG Series allows for minimal impact on the clinical environment through reduced operational noise and heat output, while the systems’ small size maximizes working space. As with the Thermo Scientific TSX Series of freezers and refrigerators, the new TSG Series uses environmentally-friendly refrigerants in line with global initiatives aimed at minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the systems feature an alarm capability, notifying users of temperature fluctuations, door ajar and power failure, enabling for corrective action to ensure ideal storage conditions are always maintained throughout the internal chamber. The TSG Series refrigerators are available in undercounter (TSG505) and countertop (TSG205) configurations to suit varying application needs.

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Fecal calprotectin testing has historically been a challenging test. Sample preparation is smelly and time consuming; and the assays have previously taken a long time to run.
The CALEX Cap from Bühlmann already eased the sample preparation, providing rapid, clean and consistent preparation, offering a simplified workflow solution for fecal calprotectin extraction without the need to decant or further dilute samples. Now modifications to the blue and white caps at either end of the CALEX device enable them to be used on laboratory track systems for a truly automated hands-off approach to fecal calprotectin testing.     The white cap has been rounded so that once the stool has been sampled the CALEX can fit easily into the racks and pucks of laboratory track systems for front loading or full random access mode. The CALEX is then automatically identified from the barcode and centrifuged. The modification to the blue cap enables automated de-capping after which the CALEX is transported on the track to the appropriate analyser for calprotectin analysis using the Bühlmann fCAL turbo before being moved to the automatic sealer and storage area. Results are then automatically reported on the laboratory LIM system. Combined with the speed of result and wide assay range (20 – 8000µg/g) of the fCAL turbo, the new Track CALEX completely transforms the approach to Calprotectin testing.

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A DNA microarray based on EUROArray technology provides parallel detection of the two main polymorphisms associated with primary lactose intolerance (13910 C/T and 22018 G/A) in one test. Genetically-caused deficiency of the digestive enzyme lactase affects around 20% of Europeans and almost all adults in large parts of Asia.  According to current knowledge, homozygous carriers of the wild type variant (13910 C/C or 22018 G/G) develop lactose intolerance, while heterozygous carriers of the polymorphisms (13910 C/T or 22018 G/A) only show corresponding symptoms in stress situations or with intestinal infections. Homozygous carriers of the mutant variant (13910 T/T or 22018 A/A) are lactose tolerant as adults. These latter gene variants prevail especially in population groups with a long tradition of pastoralism, for example in Europe.  Primary lactose intolerance needs to be distinguished from the secondary (acquired) form, which can develop as a result of other gastrointestinal diseases and is often only temporary. Molecular genetic determination is able to differentiate the two forms, in contrast to classical diagnostic procedures such as the hydrogen breath test or blood sugar test which cannot distinguish the primary and secondary forms.
The EUROArray Lactose Intolerance Direct provides simple and fast detection of the two polymorphisms 13910 C/T and 22018 G/A, allowing confirmation or exclusion of primary lactose intolerance with high probability. In the case of positive results, homozygous and heterozygous states are differentiated. The assay can be performed directly on pre-treated whole blood, eliminating the need for time- and cost-intensive DNA isolation. Numerous integrated controls ensure high reliability of results, for example, by verifying that there are no other rare mutations in direct proximity to the tested positions which could interfere with the analysis. Data evaluation, interpretation and archiving are fully automated using the EUROArrayScan software, ensuring standardized, objective results. All EUROArray processes from sample arrival to report release are IVD validated and CE registered.

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The design of the Osmomat auto is based on ten years of experience with the measuring principle of the Osmomat 030, the first cryoscopic osmometer that was launched by Gonotec for clinical application.  The company was.able to automate the draining of the measuring system so that it is possible to reliably obtain a high sample throughput. The simple menu-driven operation requires a minimum of user interaction and allows automated operation of the Osmomat.
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Beckman Coulter has launched the Kaluza C Flow Cytometry Analysis Software, an advanced data analysis system for the clinical laboratory. The new software streamlines clinical QC reporting and addresses standardization issues in flow cytometry.  Both CE- marked and listed with the FDA, Kaluza C software improves the visualization and analysis of rare events.  It makes it possible to process large, multi-colour, files with up to 20 million events and set the plot resolution according to the gate level.  Further, it enables the operator to focus on a limited number of events to preserve the integrity of the scatter plot.   Tools such as easy Boolean gate formation and autogating are also incorporated to improve the analysis of complex data sets.  It takes less than a second to adjust the compensation and calculate compensation values. Kaluza C offers laboratories the opportunity to improve their clinical reporting.  It provides support at several levels, from quality control and regulatory compliance to ease of use and advanced user management tools. Complex, clinical reporting can now be done in minutes, helping to improve workflow and reduce turnaround time (TAT).
Kaluza C incorporates quality control visualization tools for regulatory and quality control compliance.  The software also offers a range of user management tools, from report page generation to auditing work levels and traceability, and enables easy exporting of data into the main laboratory information system. It can analyse clinical data from any cytometer that complies with the official Flow Cytometry Standard (FCS).  

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