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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Serum creatinine measurement is a critical data in the glomerular filtration rate estimation (eGFR). However, traditional picrate alkaline method (Jaffé) suffers from well-known interferences from other serum components. A common approach is to compensate the measured value according to experimental data but this strategy presumes that those interferences are constant in value among samples, thus leading to inaccurate results in a clear oversimplification. Enzymatic methods, on the other hand, are more specific to creatinine measurement as they are free from those interferences, and are therefore a more suitable method for the purpose of eGFR, and as such are recommended by the scientific community. BioSystems introduces this method in its portfolio for both manual and automated systems (applications available on request). The reagent is free from interferences of lipemia, hemolysis, bilirubin or ascorbic acids and can be used with serum, plasma and urine samples.

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A POC acute care analyser for the management of patients with cardiovascular disease symptoms, the Stratus CS 200 Acute Care Diagnostic System is designed to enhance simple operation and instrument management at the point of care to help facilitate rapid decision making and optimal patient care. The analyser has a user-friendly, touch screen interface that makes it easy to navigate through menus. A barcode reader eliminates the need for manual entry and reduces potential for error. The system also offers bi-directional connectivity, which allows for safe and secure results transmission with third-party data managers, and provides capability for remote operator lock-out and monitoring of calibration dates. In addition, the Stratus CS 200 system automatically spins whole blood into plasma for testing, reducing the risk of biohazard exposure and ensures results will be comparable to lab tests run on plasma samples. The Stratus CS 200 system delivers a robust cardiac assay menu, including high-sensitivity Troponin I. First results are available in as fast as 14 minutes, and subsequent results available in as little as four minutes. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number one cause of death globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2008, an estimated 17.3 million people died from CVDs, representing 30 percent of all global deaths. This number is expected to grow to 25 million by 2030. For patients with CVD, it is critical that their acute care be timely, safe and effective.

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