A new reagent for measuring β-Hydroxybutyrate in serum and plasma is now available from BioSystems.β-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is produced along with acetoacetate and acetone during ketosis in carbohydrate deprivation (starvation, digestive disturbances, frequent vomiting), decreased carbohydrate utilization (diabetes mellitus), glycogen storage diseases, and alkalosis. Acetone usually accounts for only 2% of the total ketone bodies and it is excreted in the urine or exhaled. Acetoacetate normally accounts for about 20% and could be spontaneously converted to acetone and CO2 or metabolized by the liver into BHB, which accounts for the majority (78%), so it is the best marker for the diagnosis of hyper- or hypo- ketotic state or monitoring therapy for diabetic ketoacidosis. For performing the calibration, it is recommended to use the Biochemistry Calibrator or the Biochemistry Calibrator (Human) and the Biochemistry Control Serum levels I and II or Biochemistry Control Serum (Human) levels I and II to verify the measurement procedures.
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Beckman Coulter’s new, automated AQUIOS CL Flow Cytometer has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the clinical laboratory. The small footprint, high precision ‘LOAD & GO’ instrument has been designed specifically for the Lean laboratory, operating 24/7 and requiring automated systems which improve workflow, enhance quality and deliver a consistent turnaround time (TAT). Easy to operate with integrated automated sample preparation like a hematology analyser, Aquios CL Flow Cytometer delivers first results within 20 minutes for routine applications such as immunophenotyping. Subsequent results are available at a rate of 25 samples per hour for up to a full 96-well plate. The instrument transforms the way routine applications such as immunophenotyping are managed by the clinical lab. The precision of the AQUIOS CL Flow Cytometer in establishing the lymphocyte gate makes it possible to carry out high volume, T, B, and NK cell analysis within the hospital lab instead of an external lab. The high level of automation helps prevent sample processing errors and frees up experienced staff for more complex analysis, making better use of staff resources. In addition, by removing manual processes, the instrument delivers operational savings and increases overall workflow. Once samples are loaded, the instrument automatically carries out mixing, cap piercing, sample preparation, and analysis. Its automated cap-piercing technology helps reduce staff exposure to biohazardous samples. The fully integrated system includes a 40-tube capacity autoloader able to handle a variety of tube sizes, with continuous, random loading and unloading. There is a separate single-tube loader for STAT samples. Sample preparation, reagent monitoring, barcode scanning and LIS connectivity are all automated. Intuitive software also makes the system fast and easy to use. ‘SmartTrack reagent monitoring’ tracks reagent use and test progress, with barcode tracking eliminating manual quality control and reagent logs. If the QC fails, the system automatically alerts the operator by text message or email for intervention. The first tests available are Tetra-1 (CD45/4/8/3), Tetra-2+ (CD45/56+16/19/3), and Tetra Combo (both Tetra-1 and -2+) for immune status monitoring. For the Tetra application, the first result is available in approximately 20 minutes from loading (measured with Tetra-1 or Tetra- 2+), with subsequent results delivered at the rate of 25 samples per hour, for up to a full 96 well plate (measured with Tetra Combo).
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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 growing concern about the proliferation of Zika infections in the Caribbean, Central and South America, has turned the fight against the virus in a global health emergency. The infection is mainly transmitted through the bite of the Aedes spp mosquitoes and presents symptoms like mild fever, arthralgia, myalgia, asthenia, headache and maculopapular rash clinical symptoms, plus additional symptoms like conjunctivitis, retroorbital pain, lymphadenopathy and diarrhea. There is widespread concern about the association of the Zika Virus with increasing cases of congenital microcephaly. Other research indicate that the virus can cause brain damage. CerTest Biotec has developed a new kit for the identification of Zika virus in patients presenting symptoms of the disease. This new "ready-for-use" product contains all the necessary components and reagents to perform a test that detects viral Zika RNA using the real time PCR technique. It is very important to complete the identification of the virus in the early stages of infection; therefore, it is recommended that samples of blood, serum and/or saliva are collected during the first 5 days after the onset of symptoms. The VIASURE Zika Virus real time PCR detection kit is designed for specific identification and quantification of Zika virus in clinical samples from patients with signs and symptoms of Zika virus infection. This test is intended for use as an aid in the diagnosis of the Zika virus in humans in combination with clinical and epidemiological risk factors. RNA is extracted from specimens, amplified using RT-amplification and detected using fluorescent reporter dye probes specific for Zika virus.
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Siemens Healthcare is announcing the availability of the new INNOVANCE Heparin Assay for the BCS XP System and the Sysmex CS-2000i, CS-2100i and the CS-5100 Systems. This truly liquid testing solution generates precise results with fewer steps, streamlining workflow with easy-to-use reagents and a single hybrid calibration curve for both unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). Non-liquid heparin assays typically require labour-intensive reconstitution and mixing of reagents before testing can occur, impacting laboratory workflow. Unlike other liquid heparin assays that may need to stand for up to 30 minutes before use, the INNOVANCE Heparin Assay can be used immediately. The assay’s single calibration curve for both UFH and LMWH adds confidence to results by eliminating the risk of evaluation on the wrong curve. This new assay is designed to significantly reduce hands-on time and improve security so that heparin testing can become a more routine laboratory operation. Heparin is an anticoagulant used to prevent and treat blood clots in at-risk patients. It exists in two forms, UFH and LMWH, both of which are widely used as prophylactic and therapeutic anticoagulants. The INNOVANCE Heparin Assay utilizes a universal calibrator set that is traceable to the World Health Organization (WHO) standards for UFH and LMWH. Dedicated controls for UFH and LMWH have two levels each, and the hybrid calibration curve includes five levels for greater precision and accuracy. It exhibits excellent correlation between Siemens and Sysmex systems and offers a comparable number of tests per kit across all systems.
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