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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Now available is a new Stanbio Chemistry Glycated Albumin (GA) assay kit. 
GA is a sensitive marker for intermediate glycemic control in diabetes and can fill the gap between long-term and short-term measurements of blood glucose status. This is particularly useful just after the start or during an alteration in diabetes treatment, where measurement of GA can confirm blood glucose changes over just 2 to 3 weeks. It is also useful for prognosis in hemodialysis patients and during pregnancy when HbA1c may provide an insufficient indication of glycemic levels. The Stanbio Chemistry GA assay uses an enzymatic method with liquid reagents and requires no preparation. It can be used on compatible open channel clinical chemistry analysers and expresses results as a ratio of Glycated Albumin to Albumin in mmol/mol from a small amount of blood serum. GA accurately reflects the latest blood glucose status as it is found throughout the body and is a type of protein that can readily be glycated.

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Sebia’s latest generation instrument, Capillarys 3 TERA, is now connectable to the Inpeco automation systems, available under the FlexLab brand name and as Aptio by Siemens. This analyser offers a large menu of tests for the diagnosis and follow-up of myeloma, diabetes and hemoglobin disorders. Two assays are now connectable to Inpeco automation: HbA1c and Serum Protein Electrophoresis. Other tests such as Serum Immunotyping and Hemoglobin electrophoresis will follow soon.
The Capillarys 3 TERA TLA connection with FlexLab opens new opportunities for lab automation and brings the capillary electrophoresis analyser closer to the core clinical laboratory workflow. Designed as a point-of-space connection, Capillarys 3 TERA TLA can process serum and whole blood at the same time thanks to a specific development on FlexLab.
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The continued rise in prevalence rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the inadequacies of the traditional T2DM risk methods highlights the necessity for superior markers for the assessment of at-risk patients. The traditional clinical tests utilized in the risk assessment of T2DM includes fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and oral glucose intolerance test (OGTT). FPG has been proven to have poor specificity and OGTT can only be detected when the underlying disease has progressed over several years. The non-biochemical methods, body mass index (BMI), employed for the classification of overweight and obese patients does not distinguish between excess fat, muscle or bone mass. Consequently, these traditional tests are inadequate for the early risk assessment and prevention of T2DM. Adiponectin is a protein hormone secreted by adipocytes with anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing properties, reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, CVD and T2DM. Adiponectin levels have been found to inversely correlate with abdominal visceral fat. One study found that using the diagnostic criteria for ADA glucose and HbA1c as a reference, adiponectin displayed a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 51% at a cut-off point of 7.5μg/ml (figure 1). This study concluded that adiponectin levels associate with improved glycemic control, revealing its potential as a biomarker in T2DM screening and in the assessment of prediabetic state. Adiponectin levels have also been proved to be useful in the identification of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk in early pregnancy. A nested case-control study found that women with decreased adiponectin levels measured, on average, 6 years pre-pregnancy were associated with a 5-fold increased risk of developing GDM. Not only is early risk assessment of diabetes required to improve health outcomes, but also to alleviate the burden on national health services and economies. It is evident that a superior method for assessing diabetes risk is required, enabling physicians to accurately evaluate at-risk patients. Randox Laboratories are manufacturers and distributors of an automated biochemistry adiponectin test for the early risk assessment of T2DM, CVD and metabolic syndrome.

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