Porvair Sciences has expanded its range of high quality, black microplates that minimise sample degradation by exposure to light, even over long storage periods.
Available in a choice of 48-, 96- and 384-well formats – the black plates are precisely manufactured to applicable ANSI / SLAS dimensions ensuring complete compatibility with almost all readers and automated equipment. Manufactured from polypropylene, the range of black microplates offer excellent heat and solvent resistant qualities. Using only ultra-pure grade polymer means that each black plate has near zero leachates ensuring long-term sample integrity. The black plates are supplied RNase / DNase free meaning they can be used to store the most sensitive biological samples. To prevent evaporation, hydration of DMSO solutions and to completely eliminate light from samples – Porvair Sciences additionally offers a selection of Absorb Max light blocking sealing films that may be applied to the top of the black plates. A split backing and edge cut-outs make positioning and applying the sealing film quick and simple. The light-blocking and absorbing properties of Porvair Sciences black microplates, used in conjunction with Absorb Max sealing films, provides a perfect combination for protecting light-sensitive assays or samples during storage.
For more information, visit: www.microplates.com/solid-bottom
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Using aluminium foil or plastic wrap to cap beakers and flasks has always been a quick fix with questionable effectiveness. In an effort to provide lids that are safe and easy to use, DWK Life Sciences, a leading manufacturer of precision labware, has developed KIMBLE® Silicon Lids that stretch and conform to beaker tops for a tight and secure seal.
Available in three sizes and three colours, KIMBLE Silicon Lids easily conform to fit on beakers, flasks, bottles and cylinders. The stretchy silicone material creates a seal on spouts, beaded tops or threaded necks on glass or plastic vessels. The lids are resistant to heat and chemicals and designed with tabs, so they are easy to put on or take off, even when wearing gloves. Dishwasher-safe and reusable, the lids are a sustainable solution for environmentally conscious labs. The lids come in bright colours for easy colour coding.
“We’ve been surprised with the popularity of these unique covers – we knew they were safe, secure and provided a better seal for different laboratory containers, but we were just as happy to see how scientists liked their appearance – they’re using the lids to improve the appearance of the labs by replacing makeshift foil caps and stoppers with bright colours,” said Rick Schwartz, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales at DWK Life Sciences. “There is currently no other lab grade product available that remotely resembles our lids.”
KIMBLE Silicon Lids have stretchable diameters; small 43 to 61 mm diameter, medium 64 to 76 mm diameter, and large lids are 84 to 116 mm diameter. Colour choices include pink, green and blue. Lids easily accommodate most 50 ml beakers up to 800 ml beakers. The silicon is resistant to most chemicals and withstands heat with a usable temperature range of 40°C to 180°C. KIMBLE Silicon Lids are sold individually or in packages of 3 containing a small, medium and large sized lid in each package.
For more information, visit: https://dwk.com/colorsplash
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A ground-breaking test for the potentially fatal 2019-nCoV strain of coronavirus, is in the final stages of development at global health diagnostics company Randox Laboratories. The soon-to-be-launched test, developed on Randox’s patented Biochip Technology, will be available for immediate SARS-COV-2 testing, but an additional enhanced multiplex array will also include tests for other respiratory viruses which can display the same symptoms. The new enhanced Biochip will therefore allow clinicians to quickly and efficiently differentiate between potentially lethal and non-lethal infections.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director of Randox Laboratories, commented; “Current technologies for the diagnosis of coronavirus are designed simply to detect the presence or lack of 2019-nCoV, and therefore neglect to differentiate between this strain and other respiratory infections. Whilst we’re very quickly developing an efficient novel test for this new strain of coronavirus, we are therefore also working on an extended Viral Respiratory Infection Array that will test simultaneously for 2019-nCoV and a range of other viruses. This will eliminate the need for multiple back-and-forth tests before the root cause of symptoms is found, and empower clinicians to make fast and informed decisions.” The test will be available for the Point of Care analyser, the Vivalytic, within 3 hours, and within 5 hours on the Randox Evidence Investigator. Benefits of the new Randox SARS-COV-2 test

• Quick Turnaround Times (3 hours on Vivalytic and 5 hours on Evidence Investigator)
• Multiplex array differentiates between mild and serious infection
• Automated and Semi-Automated options available

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CE marking has been granted to one of the most comprehensive cartridge-based STI tests. The test, developed by the UK’s largest health diagnostics company, Randox Laboratories, tests simultaneously for 10 of the most common sexually transmitted infections, on the firm’s patented Biochip Technology. Quickly and efficiently testing for multiple STIs, which often have mild symptoms if any at all, ensures early diagnosis at a stage when treatment is most successful, supports the targeted use of antibiotics, and ultimately reduces their mishandling. Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director of Randox Laboratories, commented; “Antibiotic stewardship is a critical issue which we all have a responsibility to embrace and drive forward. The CE marking of the STI assay, which incorporates Randox Biochip Technology, will be a game-changer for clinicians and patients across Europe, by facilitating early, accurate and comprehensive diagnoses of STIs that allows for the best possible patient outcome. Never before has there been this level of accessibility and speed with regards to STI testing.”
The Randox STI assay is performed on the Vivalytic system, an intuitive point-of-care platform, developed in partnership with German technology company Bosch that provides the broadest range of test options ever seen for an analyser of its size. Harnessing the application of multiplex assays to provide greater information from a single patient sample, the Vivalytic simplifies the testing process for otherwise complex laboratory testing procedures.
Marc Meier, Managing Director of Bosch Healthcare Solutions, a subsidiary of Bosch Group, said: “We are enthusiastic about partnering with Randox to offer their assay technology on the Vivalytic platform. The core competencies of Bosch in automation, miniaturization, sensor technology and connectivity are complemented by Randox’s expertise in developing excellent biocontent for a wide range of assays and commercializing innovative diagnostic solutions.”
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