Further extending the range of infectious disease diagnostic assays for use on the DiaSorin Liaison Iam analyser, the Iam HSV molecular assay provides rapid and reliable differential detection of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), vesicle swabs, plasma and whole blood, making it of enormous value in the diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis and potentially severe HSV infections in transplant patients and other immunocompromised individuals.  Together with Iam VZV for the detection of clinically relevant subtypes of Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), these assays provide valuable information for the timely treatment of severe alpha-herpesvirus infections. HSV-1 is an important cause of fatal sporadic encephalitis, although HSV-2 is more commonly associated with herpes simplex encephalitis in neonates and immunosuppressed individuals.  Early diagnosis and treatment are important to reduce and prevent neurological damage.  In transplant patients and other immunocompromised hosts, HSV may cause severe infections, frequently disseminating to the visceral organs, and can be life or organ threatening. Nucleic acid tests are the method of choice for the diagnosis and characterization of HSV infection, following baseline serology, offering greater sensitivity than viral culture.  Furthermore, molecular detection of HSV DNA in CSF is recommended for the diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis.  The ability to differentiate between HSV types can provide important prognostic information, particularly in the diagnosis of genital herpes. Like HSV, VZV is the cause of significant morbidity and mortality in transplant patients and other immunocompromised individuals.  Immunocompromised children, particularly those with leukemia, are reported to be at risk of visceral complications and even death folllowing VZV infection. Complications occur in about 20% of VZV infected immunocompromised patients and include interstitial or necrotizing pneumonia, viral hepatitis with acute liver failure, coagulopathies and bacterial superinfections. Offering excellent diagnostic sensitivity (>95% for Iam VZV and >98.5% for Iam HSV) and specificity (100% for Iam VZV and 100% for Iam HSV), and with faster time to results than conventional real-time PCR, the assays provide rapid and accurate molecular confirmation of alpha-herpesvirus infections.  Furthermore, the small footprint, ease of use and scalable design of the benchtop Liaison Iam molecular instrument makes it ideal for use in laboratory facilities of all sizes, including those that are located close to the patient.  

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Patients often show a wide range of varying symptoms and sensitization patterns against several allergens. Therefore diagnosing an allergic disease is always based on anamnesis, in-vivo testing and in-vitro diagnostics. In-vitro diagnostics in particular, i.e. the determination of specific IgE against the suspected allergens, are essential whenever an allergic response or severe reaction is suspected but furthermore also as a foundation for possible immunotherapy and its preparation. The preparation for immunotherapy requires the results of a quantitative test system like single allergen systems. These tests are expensive and need expensive laboratory equipment. With the RIDA qLine Allergy test, R-Biopharm AG has developed a sophisticated allergy in-vitro test system that combines both quantitative determination and very economic and easy handling.

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MAST ASSURE Bacterial Agglutinating Antisera products are a comprehensive range of polyvalent and monovalent diagnostic antisera for bacterial identification. Bacterial serotype is easily determined according to the expression of flagella (H) and somatic (O) antigens.  Mast Antisera products are used globally for antigenic analysis of clinically significant bacteria, including MAST ASSURE Salmonella Antisera for identification of the species within the genus Salmonella using the Kauffmann-White Scheme for classification. The MAST ASSURE product range features simple slide and test tube agglutination methods and easy to read results. All antisera are derived from immunized rabbits, adsorbed to remove cross agglutinins and filter sterilized. Presented in 2ml dropper bottles, the reagents are user friendly and ensure minimal laboratory wastage. An extensive range of antisera is available from stock with a large range of sera manufactured to special order.
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Celiac disease is a permanent intolerance to ingested gluten – a protein of wheat, rye and barley – that results in damage of the small-intestine mucosal surface. This causes malabsorption of critical nutrients and can cause a variety of health problems from gastrointestinal symptoms, anemia and lactose intolerance to dental anomalies and skin problems. The vast majority of patients with celiac disease go undiagnosed; the incidence is estimated to be as high as 1/100 in Europe. Because of the genetic factor involved, there is 1/10 risk of celiac disease if a close relative has the condition. A selection of Biocard celiac disease rapid tests is now available for home and professional use. The tests are based on a patented method of detecting the tissue transglutaminase IgA antibodies associated with celiac disease from fingertip blood samples. The easy and reliable method gives results in less than 10 minutes with high sensitivity and specificity. All accessories for sampling are included. Total IgA detection is included to detect the IgA-defi cient patients.
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