Fast-track diagnostics kits are now sold in sizes of 32 and 64 reactions. The new formats will provide the greatest possible levels of flexibility to customers, as laboratories can aliquot reagents according to their specific needs. The ability to undertake variable run sizes (32 reaction kits allow 1 to 30 patient samples to be tested per run, while 64 reaction kits allow 1 to 62 patient samples to be tested) means all laboratories can run their tests in the way best suited to them, no matter the size. In addition, the kits will allow for easier comparison with other products, lower transport costs and easier ordering. The new kit sizes will still contain the company’s optimized primers and probes and internal, positive and negative controls as well as mastermix – enzyme and buffer (all in single bulk tubes). All the reagents are now provided in one box, and there is no need to order extra controls for small run use. Fast-track diagnostics has  a wide range of kits available for single and multiplex detection of infectious diseases. Kits are available for over 100 different pathogens – including viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites – most are in syndromic multiplexes to aid clinical diagnosis. The entire range is compatible with many of the thermalcyclers and extraction methods commonly found in modern laboratories.

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Improving precision and throughput, Shimadzu’s new GCMS-TQ8040 is a most accurate, cost effective and easy-to-use triple quadrupole GCMS. The system combines Ultra Fast Mass Spectrometry (UFMS) and Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) based on Shimadzu’s patented UFsweeper technology. MRM streamlines the entire process of adjusting the loop and dwell times for optimum sensitivity, and methods are created with the touch of a button. Through smart technologies, the triple quadrupole GCMS provides a new level in routine work: Smart Productivity is the key to simultaneous multi-component analysis, high efficiency and sample throughput. UFMS in the Multiple Reaction Monitoring mode can acquire up to 32,000 transitions in a single analysis. Smart MRM technology adjusts the analytical dwell time automatically for each transition to fully optimize sensitivity and data quality;  Smart Operation facilitates rapid and easy method development. Tools, software and functions optimize the operation of the system, e.g. a smart database of related compounds (pesticides, drugs etc.), and the GCMSsolution operation software featuring Automatic Adjustment of Compound Retention Time (AART) ;  Smart Performance enables Scan/MRM for low detection limits and simultaneous target compound confirmation. Shimadzu’s proprietary UFsweeper technology achieves high-speed MRM analysis and provides high-efficiency CID and fast ion transport. Rapid ion removal minimizes cross-talk and enables trace analysis. The high-efficiency ion source supplies maximum possible sensitivity and repeatability.

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BioPorto’s new ELISA Kit will enable researchers to measure the monomeric form of NGAL with a highly specific assay for monomeric NGAL, which cross-reacts less than 1 % with the homo-dimer form of NGAL. During the past 5 years, researchers around the world have discussed and debated different theories about NGAL molecular forms (monomer, homodimer, heterodimer). The discussions have been about which of the forms are the predominant in different clinical situations, and also if one form is more specific for one clinical diagnosis than the other. BioPorto is now making the unique monomer-specific ELISA kit publicly available. This is the first monomer-specific NGAL assay on the market. The assay has already been used in two communications, at poster level, at the annual meeting of the American Society of Nephrology in both 2012 and 2013 (Bagert et al). The assay is for research use only, not for use in diagnostic procedures.
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An innovative combination provides the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) tested LC-MS/MS Vitamin D2/D3 analysis kit with an accuracy of 96%, together with the Zivak fully automated sample preparation and injection system. This innovation now enables laboratories to receive accurate and fast LC-MS/MS Vitamin D2/D3 results in 1.7 minute per test, including sample preparation, sample injection and analysis run time. While preparation is in process, the Zivak Multitasker injects at the same time the already prepared samples into the LC-MS/MS instrument. This efficient process combined with the Zivak 25-OH Vitamin D2/D3 analysis kit where the analysis run time is about 1.5 minute now makes it possible to place the samples into the sample preparation tray and receive results in a fully automated way. The Zivak-Multitasker can handle up to 220 samples in one run.
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