Specific IgE antibodies against inhalation allergens that commonly occur in Southern Europe can be detected and differentiated using the new multiparameter immunoblot EUROLINE DPA-Dx Pollen Southern Europe 1 based on defined partial allergens (DPA, allergen components). The detailed profile identifies the precise allergy-causing proteins, distinguishing primary sensitizations from cross reactions and thus aiding therapy decision-making. The test is based on a unique combination of species-specific marker molecules, cross-reactive components and whole extracts, encompassing tree pollens (birch, olive, cypress, hazel, oak), grass pollens (timothy grass, wall pellitory) and the fungus Alternaria alternata. The native extracts provide a general screening for IgE antibodies against the respective pollen/fungus. Combination of the Southern European species-specific marker molecules (e.g. nCup a 1, rOle e 1 and rPar j 2) together with common panallergens (e.g. PR-10 proteins and profilin) enables precise discrimination between a putative primary sensitization and a persistent cross reaction. Positive reactions with species-specific markers are an indication for specific immunotherapy. Positive reactions with panallergens on the other hand indicate cross reactions. Cross-reactive molecules are prevalent among different types of plants, which often results in a high sensitization rate.  An insufficient differentiation between primary sensitization and cross reactions often results in a less effective desensitization during specific immunotherapy. The test also includes a band of cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCD), which aids the differentiation of clinically relevant reactions from unspecific anti-CCD reactions and thus the interpretation of results. With this in-depth profile, true sensitizations can be reliably identified, enabling targeted selection of the most suitable specific immunotherapy and improved prognosis of the therapy success. The test is easy to perform and requires only a small sample volume. The high analytical and clinical value of the profile has been verified in an independent study (publications in preparation). A further large-scale international multicentre study is currently in progress (www.ait2020.com). Automated processing and evaluation are available for the assay.
The new profile is part of the established EUROLINE Allergy range, which encompasses a comprehensive portfolio of component- and extract-based profiles for the diagnosis of food, inhalation and insect venom allergies.

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A new series of compact refrigerators has been specifically developed to address the need of clinical laboratories and patient care facilities for cold storage equipment that enable secure and energy-efficient storage of vaccines, medicines, lab kits and breast milk, while offering quiet operation and a small footprint. Powered by Phononic’s solid state cooling technology, the new TSG refrigerators have been designed to provide uninterrupted temperature stability and cleanroom-compatible readiness for reliable storage of the most sensitive materials. Furthermore, the systems offer whisper quiet operation at less than 35 dbA, meaning they can be placed in clinical laboratories, nurse’s stations, and even patient rooms and intensive care units, without disrupting the work environment and patient comfort. With ENERGY STAR-rated performance, the TSG Series refrigerators consume significantly less energy than similar models, meeting clinical settings’ sustainability objectives and reducing operating costs. In addition, as they feature fewer refrigeration components compared to other available units, they require only minimal maintenance and offer increased storage capacity. The solid state technology used in the TSG Series allows for minimal impact on the clinical environment through reduced operational noise and heat output, while the systems’ small size maximizes working space. As with the Thermo Scientific TSX Series of freezers and refrigerators, the new TSG Series uses environmentally-friendly refrigerants in line with global initiatives aimed at minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the systems feature an alarm capability, notifying users of temperature fluctuations, door ajar and power failure, enabling for corrective action to ensure ideal storage conditions are always maintained throughout the internal chamber. The TSG Series refrigerators are available in undercounter (TSG505) and countertop (TSG205) configurations to suit varying application needs.

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Bio-Rad has expanded its portfolio of quality control products for reproductive health and prenatal testing with the launch of Liquichek AMH Control. This product is a dedicated Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) control designed to meet the increasing demand for a liquid, independent, assayed quality control used primarily in fertility/In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) clinics. 
AMH is emerging as an important fertility marker used by healthcare professionals and fertility specialists as an indicator of ovarian reserve. The test result provides an assessment of the available egg supply and consequently, remaining fertility window.  Females with higher AMH values may have a better response to ovarian stimulation for IVF and egg retrieval. The accurate assessment of AMH can provide a clinician with valuable insight used to manage an individual’s reproductive health.
Liquichek AMH Control is offered as a single analyte with three clinically relevant levels for monitoring the precision of AMH assays.  
Bio-Rad’s Liquichek AMH Control addresses needs in the fertility and reproductive health testing market, especially when offered as part of a broad range of fertility controls including Lyphochek Fertility Control, Liquichek Maternal Serum II, and Liquichek Maternal 1st Trimester.

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Urine testing provides unique information pertaining to a multiple series of renal and extra-renal diseases.
Based on immunoturbidimetric technology, a new line of specific proteins urinary tests from Sclavo Diagnostics uses liquid, ready-to-use reagents in various packaging formats. It includes:
Bence Jones Proteinuria, which provides measurement of free and bound K and λ light chains in liquid chemistry and may be useful in the overall evaluation of tubular damages;
(Micro) Albuminuria, a strong marker of glomerular damages, is a most valuable indication for diabetes, arterial hypertension and gravidic gestosis, in addition to renal diseases; ∝-1-Microglobulin and β-2-Microglobulin efficiently detect any tubular damages and their increased level can additionally help identifying Bence Jones Proteinuria; Immunoglobulins G in urine helps the diagnosis, in the presence of albuminuria, of all forms of primary and advanced secondary glomerular disease; Transferrin is useful in pathologies such as renal failure, especially in case of glomerular deficiencies: by assaying urinary albumin and transferrin, it is possible to gain information on electric charge selectivity since both proteins have similar sizes but a different charge.
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Roche has launched the first fully automated Zika IgG immunoassay, the Elecsys Zika IgG immunoassay for CE Mark countries, to help detect Zika virus infection. Accurate diagnosis of an infection with Zika virus is an urgent medical need, particularly for pregnant women, as an infection with Zika virus can cause impaired neurological development in babies whose mothers were infected during pregnancy. Diagnostic testing enables healthcare professionals to assess the immune status of patients, which can be of particular importance to expectant mothers, their partners and travellers, and detect evidence of a recent Zika virus infection.
This new serological assay complements a significant advancement from Roche for Zika virus screening. On 5 October 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted IVD status to the cobas Zika test, for use with the cobas 6800/8800 systems, for the screening of blood and plasma donations in the United States.
Zika virus serological testing could be used for accurate diagnosis of Zika virus infection when the virus’ RNA is no longer detectable in the patient’s blood sample. Due to the similarity of Zika virus to other viruses, such as Dengue virus, the Elecsys Zika IgG assay was developed as a highly specific assay to limit cross-reaction and reduce the occurrence of false positive results. This assay can also be used to later determine the seroprevalence of Zika virus in different populations and countries at risk to assess the level of immune status in a country.
Zika virus belongs to the Flaviviridae family of viruses, including Dengue, Yellow Fever, Japanese encephalitis and West Nile viruses. Zika virus is mainly spread by infected mosquitoes, though transmission may also occur through mother-to-child, sexual intercourse and infected donor blood used for transfusions. There is now evidence that Zika virus is linked to birth defects in fetuses and newborns, and neurological complications in adults. Based on a systematic review of the scientific literature, in 2016 the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded that Zika virus infection during pregnancy may cause congenital brain abnormalities, including microcephaly; and that the virus is a trigger of Guillain-Barré syndrome and subsequently declared Zika virus as a public health emergency. Today, Zika virus infection remains a significant enduring public health challenge, requiring intense action, but is no longer classified as a public health emergency.
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