This ultra-low temperature freezer is designed to offer laboratories a greener solution: less power consumption, less noise and higher efficiency without compromising the integrity of samples. The Thermo Scientific TSX ultra-low temperature freezer features natural refrigerants for lower environmental impact and higher cooling efficiency. Due to its intuitive design, the TSX freezer uses up to 50 percent less energy than conventional refrigerant ultra-low freezers and delivers temperature uniformity that continuously adapts to a laboratory’s environment. Conventional ultra-low temperature freezers use single-speed compressors that continually cycle on and off , resulting in poor temperature recovery following door openings. The TSX ultra-low temperature freezer is equipped with the unique V-Drive technology. When conditions are stable, the V-Drive is designed to operate at a low speed to reduce energy consumption while maintaining a uniform temperature. When dealing with frequent door openings or when samples are added to the freezer, the control system detects the activity and increases the drive speed to bring temperatures quickly back to the set point. The V-Drive also helps limit sound output to 46 db(A), making the TSX freezer up to 20 times quieter, comparable to a conventional refrigerator. For busy labs, the constant, disruptive noise created by compressors can compromise communications and create a less–than-ideal working environment. The freezer also utilizes water-blown foam insulation, which eliminates the off -gassing typical of urethane-insulated freezers. Additional product features include a 600-box sample capacity to maximize storage within a 1.06m2 footprint, intuitive touch screen interface for access to vital freezer information, and on-board computer and USB port for data storage and exchange. The TSX freezer is now available in Europe in a 50 Hz version.
Read more

Orion Diagnostica’s QuikRead go CRP test received clearance from the US FDA to market the device for clinical laboratories. The QuikRead go test system measures C-reactive protein (CRP) in whole blood, plasma and serum in 2 minutes. The system consists of a small device and a ready-to-use reagent kit with all the materials for performing the test. This easy-to-use system is in wide use worldwide. The tests available for the system outside US includes CRP, CRP+Hb, Strep A and iFOBT.  Measurement of CRP aids in the evaluation of injury to body tissues, and infection and inflammatory disorders. The advantages of measuring CRP lie in it being a sensitive, early, and reliable reflector of the acute-phase response. Quantitative measurement of CRP concentration has been reported to be a sensitive indicator of the efficacy of antimicrobial therapy and the course of bacterial infections. The rise in CRP level is non-specific.

Read more

Developed for histopathology applications, the Histra-GT utilizes ultrasound to allow rapid tissue processing and diagnosis in one day. The proper use of ultrasonic energy ensures uniform radiation of the tissue, eliminating uneven processing and distorted cell morphology. The Histra-GT is a rapid processor that requires only 80 minutes to process any tissue less than 3mm thick in one batch processing with 100-cassette capacity, and can also process larger specimens in a shorter time than when using conventional methods. There are 3 modes to processing – rapid processing mode, normal processing mode and rapid preprocessing mode – enabling the instrument to address variations in daily workload. Using the rapid processing mode for biopsy samples, only 80 minutes are required from fixation to paraffin infiltration (including the time for liquid supply and drainage). The normal processing mode enables the user to set the required processing time, including overnight processing. The rapid preprocessing mode allows delipidation of fat tissue and rapid refixing of the half-fixed tissue. A large touch key pad makes for easy operation. A dual safety system is also featured. Volatilized gas does not leak because of active carbon.
The ultrasonic technology not only performs rapid processing of tissue specimens, but also allows high quality staining. The Histra-DC is a processor for recalcification, delipidation and fixation that shortens the processing time to one fifth or one sixth of the time needed for conventional methods, using ultrasonic technology and temperature control. Specimen sizes can vary with the use of the optional specimen cassette basket.
Optimized for use with formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded human breast cancer tissue samples, the Histra HER2 FISH kit detects amplification of the HER2/neu gene via fluorescence in situ hybridization. This advanced kit, which utilizes pretreatment of the samples with hydrochloric acid, is very easy to use and involves only six steps, providing very clear results via a strong fluorescence.
Read more

Available in Europe, the CE-IVD labelled Cytocell Aquarius P16/3c/7c/17c Probe Kit is a cost-effective, ready-to-use fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probe kit for non-invasive detection of bladder cancer. Bladder cancer is becoming increasingly prevalent, and in 2012 was reported as the 5th most common cancer in Europe. While cytology screening is commonplace for diagnosing bladder cancer, a recent update to UK NICE guidelines recommended the use of FISH. FISH methods have been shown to have the same specificity as cytology screening and greater sensitivity in detecting bladder cancer cells. FISH analysis for bladder cancer is also particularly useful for monitoring treatment outcome and can aid in reducing patient mortality by detecting bladder cancer recurrence up to six months earlier than other methods. Carrying the CE mark for in vitro diagnostic use within Europe, OGT’s product accurately detects in urine samples the three most common aneuploidies associated with bladder cancer (chromosomes 3, 7 and 17). It also detects deletions of the 9p21.3 locus containing the well-known tumour suppressor gene p16 (CDKN2A) — commonly deleted in bladder cancer. The economical Cytocell Aquarius P16/3c/7c/17c Probe Kit contains ready-to-use reagents and has an easy-to-use protocol, reducing the potential for errors and increasing convenience. Specific, clear, high-intensity signals with minimal background deliver quality, reproducible and easy-to-score results ensuring clinicians can be confident in reporting.

Read more

The Technology Partnership plc (TTP), announced the launch of Desktop Biology™, a new service that will enable point-of-care diagnostic providers to rapidly convert their biological assay into a market-ready system capable of producing a result in as little as 15 minutes. The new service provides an accessible and rapid route to market, offering a seamless approach for companies looking to accelerate the development of their assay to a product for use in diagnostics or research. Made possible with TTP’s expertise in regulated environments and fast track system development, this advance will enable rapid translation of a customer’s biology to a product on the market. Key to this service is the ability for TTP’s team to understand the fundamental steps required to convert lab-based biological processes (for example, sample preparation, labelling and assay measurement) to a functional low-cost disposable and small instrument. Users of the Desktop Biology service will have the opportunity to benefit from TTP’s in-house platforms and technologies, that have been designed to translate complex biological assays into low-cost, disposable consumables. For example, one platform enables open-access biology and liquid handling for 30 μL to 2 mL volumes, while another is purpose-built for dealing with complex processes such as small liquid volumes in the range of 10 μL to 200 μL whilst maintaining a low disposable cost. Desktop Biology customers will also have access to TTP’s novel IP that has been especially developed to address some of the key challenges in the biological arena. This includes technologies that provide benefits for a number of assay steps, including biological and cellular deposition, methods for the rapid lysing of high sample volumes, high speed thermocycling, optical and electronic detection systems, and unique low profile and nonpulsatile pumps for highly controlled liquid movement.

Read more