A CE-marked multiplex real-time PCR reagent targeting Mycoplasma genitalium and Trichomonas vaginalis is adapted to the most used qPCR automated systems usually dedicated to C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae. This new kit can dramatically improve the diagnosis process for patients with sexually transmitted infection. The mg219 gene was found to be in all strains of M. genitalium and was highly conserved; it is coupled to the mgPa gene and T. vaginalis. A quick and accurate detection of pathogens causing various STIs can solve a lot of problems with regard to partner contamination and supports adapted antibiotherapy regimens. Molecular diagnostics enables an easier and more reliable diagnosis than traditional methods. Mycoplasma genitalium has been convincingly linked to non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) and nonchlamydial-non-gonococcal urethritis (NCNGU); association of M. genitalium infection and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) aft er termination of pregnancy is an independent and strong risk factor for both cervicitis and PID. Therefore, M. genitalium infection in women is associated with clinical manifestations and complications that in some instances are amenable to prevention and treatment.
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Blood lactate concentration is directly related to the availability of oxygen: when the amount of oxygen is inadequate in cells and tissues (hypoxia), the anaerobic carbohydrate metabolism leads to lactic acidosis. So, lactic concentration is increased in any type of tissue hypoxia, such as severe congestive heart failure, shock of any etiology (septic, cardiogenic…), severe anemia or monoxide carbon intoxication. Lactic acidosis can also happen in favourable tissue oxygenation, as in leukemia and solid tumours where the cause may be excessive lactate production by the neoplastic tissue. Other causes include poorly controlled diabetes or severe hepatic insufficiency. Lactate levels may also increase during intense exercise, causing a transitory and benign lactic acidosis. A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate test may be ordered, along with a blood lactate test, to help distinguish between viral and bacterial meningitis. Increased levels also occur in any clinical condition associated with reduced oxygenation of brain and/or increased intracranial pressure. This new lactate reagent is based on the Lactate Oxidase/Peroxidase method, which is more convenient for random access–type equipment because of its long stability on board and lack of cross contamination when compared with the Lactate Dehydrogenase method.
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BioSystems launches a new reagent for measurement of homocysteine in serum and plasma. Homocysteine (Hcy) is a thiol containing amino acid synthesized as an intermediate product of methionine metabolism. Homocysteine levels in serum or plasma are measured for diagnosing and monitoring different conditions. Hyperhomocysteinemia is considered to be involved in many diseases from cardiovascular (stroke and hypertension risk factor) to neurological diseases (such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy and cerebrovascular disease) among others (diabetes, osteoporosis…), so its measurement is important for the detection and monitoring of many different conditions. It is also important in case of folate and/or vitamin B12 deficiency and as part of neonatal screening for homocystinuria diagnosis. BioSystems introduces this method in its portfolio for both manual and automated systems (applications available on request). Different presentations are available: Ax5 (50mL; ref. 12737) & ASR (76 mL; ref. 21737). Controls and calibrators are not included.

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New research from Public Health England and University College London reveals the startling increase of antibiotic prescribing across the UK;  up 40% since 2000. The debate around the issue of antimicrobial resistance assumes additional urgency. In addition, it is estimated that each year one million people across GB spend at least one week in hospital due to respiratory infections. Through more accurate diagnosis, and the more appropriate use of antibiotics, it is possible to improve treatment and reduce the effect of antibiotic resistance.  A reduction of average bed stays from seven days to five days would save the NHS half a billion pounds (€600 mil.) annually. First time, accurate diagnosis is the key and the latest weapon in the fight against antibiotic resistance is taking the form of advanced diagnostics. Randox Respiratory Array is a new test for the identification of respiratory infections. The test screens saliva, mucus or sputum from a patient and can accurately identify up to 22 infections, both viral and bacterial, at the same time, with results back to the doctor on the same day. The test will allow for much needed progression in appropriate prescribing and treatment – enabling doctors to prescribe the correct antibiotic, not just ‘an’ antibiotic or indeed another form of effective medication.

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Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) has proven to be one of the most significant new markers in reproductive endocrinology in the last 10 years. The new Access AMH assay brings automation and convenience to Beckman Coulter’s established AMH tests, which include the AMH Gen II ELISA assay and the Immunotech EIA AMH/MIS assay. Access AMH is the only automated assay having excellent correlation to AMH Gen II, providing laboratories and physicians with convenient results that are consistent with current test values and published literature. Access AMH improves test accuracy by combining the proven AMH Gen II antibodies with calibrators using recombinant human AMH to provide a direct comparison to human patient samples. Assay features include convenient transition to automated testing through consistent and standardized results with Beckman Coulter’s AMH Gen II assay; improved support of fertility assessment through increased sensitivity and precision at the low end of the analytical measuring range; improved accuracy of patient results from calibrators prepared with recombinant human AMH; efficient and cost-effective results with less technician handling time and increased ease of use compared to manual assays; speed and flexibility through fully automated instrumentation; increased stability from lyophilized calibrators. The Access AMH assay has obtained CE marking and is now available on Beckman Coulter’s Access 2 immunoassay system in Europe and other select markets. The assay will be available on all Beckman Coulter immunoassay systems in Q4 of 2014. Beckman Coulter will continue to offer the AMH Gen II and IOT AMH assays along with its new automated AMH assay.
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