SOBIODA introduces its new system BACTR Plus for the automated and standardized creation of specific environments for fastidious bacteria. The BACTR Plus operates with the substitution principle: it evacuates air from the jar with the vacuum pump and replaces it with the specific gas mixture in relation with the cultivated bacteria. The system replaces all chemical bags (for anaerobiosis, micro-aerophily, CO2 supplementation). It is a very economical and fast alternative to chemical bags and chambers. To ensure traceability of any use of the system, the BACT-R Plus is able to save on the SD card all data related to the user, the jar, the gas, the programme. The reproducibility of the atmosphere creation contributes to the standardization of the procedure, allowing IOS15189 requirements to be achieved.
Read more

Now available is a label colour coding option to help major laboratories quickly and easily identify samples. The durable labels remain stuck down to -80°C and are uniquely shaped to create a window allowing the contents of the vial to be easily viewed with the addition of colour coded stripes for instant sample recognition. CILS-Labels can be printed ‘in-lab, on demand’ straight from a standard thermal transfer printer or can be supplied pre-printed providing immediate, hassle-free, study-specific serialized durable laboratory labels for all applications.

Read more

Resistant to extreme temperatures (-196ºC to 388ºC), chemicals & solvents, alcohol, humidity & moisture, etc., CILS 8/9100 Sample I.D Labels are fully printable straight from a standard Laser, Inkjet or Thermal Transfer printer allowing variable data (batch no’s, barcodes, etc) to be added ‘in minutes’, saving time and eliminating the risk of smudged/ illegible handwritten data.

Made to any size, shape and colour coded design, the CILS specially formulated, high-tack adhesive also provides permanent long-term adhesion to all labware.

For more information on the CILS Sample I.D Labels, visit: http://www.cils-international.com/content/cils-laboratory-labelling-division
Read more

A new ELISA provides detection of the cytokine CXCL13 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and is the first such assay worldwide to be approved for in vitro diagnostics. CXCL13 represents a novel biomarker for the early diagnosis of acute Lyme neuroborreliosis. It is present at high concentrations in CSF soon after the illness starts, even before intrathecal production of Borrelia antibodies can be detected. CXCL13 measurement thus helps to close the diagnostic gap between infection and a positive antibody test. CXCL13 is also a suitable marker for monitoring the disease course – its concentration decreases rapidly with successful therapy. The ELISA is based on a highly purified anti-CXCL13 monoclonal antibody. Measurements are made quantitatively using six calibrators. In a test panel of CSF samples from twelve neuroborreliosis patients the ELISA yielded strongly positive results in all cases, confirming its reliability and applicability. Acute neuroborreliosis is traditionally diagnosed using the clinical picture (meningitis, meningoradiculitis, neurological deficits), detection of an inflammatory CSF syndrome (e.g. pleocytosis blood-brain barrier dysfunction) and detection of intrathecal synthesis of Borrelia-specific antibodies. The antibody detection, however, unlike CXCL13 does not provide information on the activity of the disease. Furthermore, persistence of Borrelia-specific antibodies despite treatment can hinder reliable differentiation of past and active infections. The chemotactic cytokine CXCL13 is a cellular messenger which is produced by monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells. It is an important chemoattractant for lymphocytes in the CSF. The detection of CXCL13 in CSF is of greatest relevance in the diagnosis of neuroborreliosis. However, increased levels of CXCL13 are also found in other inflammatory diseases of the CNS such as neurosyphilis, HIV, meningitis, streptococcus infections, toxoplasmosis and multiple sclerosis.
Read more

The new EUROPattern system provides automated high-speed acquisition, archiving and interpretation of immunofluorescence images, supporting autoimmune disease diagnostics, in particular the analysis of anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibodies (ANCA). Alongside a high-precision optical system it has a controlled LED, which maintains a constant light flux, ensuring highly reproducible results. The exceptionally long life span (over 50,000 hours) and low power consumption of the cLED ensure cost-effectiveness. The microscope can process up to 500 analyses in succession, correctly identifying the slides by means of matrix codes. The EUROPattern system includes powerful pattern recognition software which identifies and classifies all ANA, anticytoplasmic antibodies and ANCA, even if more than one antibody is present. The system also evaluates anti-dsDNA antibodies on Crithidia luciliae as well as transfected cell substrates. Results are viewed on the PC screen, and can be checked retrospectively at the microscope if necessary. Images from further substrates such as liver, kidney and stomach can be recorded and archived. The laboratory management system EUROLabOffice, organises workflow and documents all data and processes. The software consolidates all results into one report per patient and also compares new findings with previous records. Different user levels provide a hierarchical review of results, thus increasing security. Final reports can be signed electronically and forwarded at a click of the mouse.
Read more