Serological tests have been developed for the detection of antibodies against MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus) in humans and in camels. MERS-CoV is an emerging pathogen which is responsible for an outbreak of severe acute respiratory illness predominantly in the Arabian Peninsula with a high number of fatalities. Camels are known hosts of the virus. The Anti-MERS-CoV indirect immunofluorescence test (IIFT) is an established, highly sensitive screening test for anti-MERS-CoV antibodies in human sera. The assay utilizes virus-infected cells as the antigenic substrate, with non-infected cells serving as a control. Positive samples yield a distinct fluorescence pattern on the infected cells. The EUROIMMUN Anti-MERS-CoV ELISA is the first commercially available anti-MERS-CoV ELISA. The assay microplates are coated with purified recombinant MERS-CoV spike protein S1 domain, which provides high sensitivity and specificity and reduces cross reactions with other human coronaviruses. Nevertheless, cross reactivity with other coronaviruses cannot be excluded with either the ELISA or the IIFT. For this reason, positive screening results should always be confirmed by a neutralization test, as stipulated by the World Health Organisation. The Anti-MERS-CoV IIFT Camel and the Anti-MERS-CoV ELISA Camel are based on the same test principles as the human tests and are suitable for determining antibody levels in camels. The human and camel serological assays have been used in numerous published studies on MERS-CoV infection mechanisms. Notably, it was found that there are no significant levels of anti-MERS-CoV antibodies in human subjects from Saudi Arabia. This implies that the virus has not been circulating in humans for long and that the majority of the population remains susceptible to infection. Studies in dromedary camels, on the other hand, have revealed high seropositivity in animals from the Arab region and Eastern Africa, even in samples that are decades old. Thus, MERS-CoV appears to have been circulating widely in dromedaries for some time. Since the virus can sporadically pass from camels to humans, dromedaries represent a significant risk factor for infection in people.

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Vision Sperm is an integrated system for conducting sperm quality analysis and managing microscopy samples, patient data and analysis results. The system makes it possible to store and examine digital sperm samples and analysis results. Accurate and objective analysis supported by report documentation and specialized soft ware provides greater assurance in analysis results. Working with the Vision Sperm system does not lead to fatigue and red eyes and reduces the load on neck and hand muscles that accompanies routine microscopy. By working with the system, doctors and laboratory professionals improve their expertise every day, thanks to the use of atlas, review of images and comments as well as discussion with colleagues and experts. Information exchange makes up for a lack of specialists. Accurate diagnosis and an appropriate strategy for further examination will ensure correct treatment of the patient.
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Awareness Technology, Inc. announces expansion of its line of ReQuest(TM) microwell based ELISA kits.  Products include  ANA, ENA, dsDNA, SSA, SSB, RNP,  SmRNP, Scl 70  and AntiJo1 in addition to syphilis, h pylori and complete panels for MMR, TORCH and  EBV.  The 32- year old company also supplies kits for Vitamin D and a full line of specific allergens and antigens causing hypersensitivity pneumonitis. All products are manufactured in Florida, under  US FDA and ISO 13485. Autoimmune kits are cleared by US FDA, Canadian Health, and have CE mark.  To learn more about the full line of reagents, as well as both semi and  fully automatic instrument systems, visit Hall 2 booth A-15 at MEDICA or browse, www.awaretech.com. Branch offices are available in USA, Europe, and Asia.

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BioSystems launches a new reagent for the measurement of oxalate (oxalic acid) in urine. Oxalate is an end product of metabolism, predominantly derived from the breakdown of glyoxylate and glycine. It is eliminated entirely by urine and only about 15% of urinary oxalate is derived directly from dietary sources. Hyperoxaluria is a powerful promoter of calcium oxalate stone formation. An increased excretion of oxalate in urine may occur as a result of an excessive ingestion of oxalate-rich foods, because of malabsorption due to different gastrointestinal disorders (enteric hyperoxaluria) or because of an inborn error of metabolism (primary hyperoxaluria). Low oxalate values in urine are associated with hyperglycinemia or hyperglycinuria. BioSystems introduces this method (Oxalate Oxidase/Peroxidase – differential bireagent) in dedicated presentation for A15 and A25 analysers (code 12539: 1x25mL, 20 tests). It is calibrated using its own standard included in the kit. The kit also includes 20 pretreatment tubes which are also available separately in 100-unit packs (Oxalate Pretreatments Reagents: code 11839).

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QDx Hemostat is a compact handheld POC hemoglobin meter for measuring hemoglobin from a finger prick of whole blood. This hemoglobin measuring system is intended to help people manage their hemoglobin levels. It also provides healthcare professionals with helpful information by measuring hemoglobin in fresh capillary whole blood as well as venous blood. Calibration is done by simply inserting the code key into the test meter. The virtually painless test requires only 1 μL sample volume and provides quick results in five seconds. The device features a large display, a 100-test memory and a measuring range of 5 – 26 g/dL. Battery life allows 3,000 tests to be performed. By using Hemostat, a check of both quantitative hemoglobin and hematocrit will give quick results within 5 seconds. Only 1 μL sample volume is needed which makes it nearly painless for the patient. The ergonomic design allows comfortable usage.
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