ELITechGroup Molecular Diagnostics announces the CE-IVD marking of the STI ELITe MGB Panel: a multiplex assay for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), three major bacteria involved in sexually transmitted infections. STIs are a global burden with more than 1 million infections acquired every day worldwide.  Accurate and specific detection is important to reduce transmission and complications. In combination with the ELITe InGenius system, the STI ELITe MGB Panel makes it possible to simultaneously detect and differentiate in one single reaction Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium. Patient samples can be directly loaded into the system, which automatically performs all the steps of molecular diagnostics from extraction to result interpretation with minimal hands-on time. The clinical study has demonstrated excellent performance: respectively 96.4%, 100% and 100% diagnostic sensitivity and 100%, 98.4% and 98.4% specificity with C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae and M. genitalium. STI ELITe MGB Panel is the 22nd CE-IVD assay of ELITe InGenius’ menu and the first one intended to diagnose sexually transmitted infections.  Recently identified, M. genitalium is highly prevalent in the general population, and share similar symptoms with C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae, but their specific antibiotic treatments are not fully efficient to cure M. genitalium and generate antibiotics resistance strains. Co-detection of Mycoplasma genitalium, along with Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae improves the efficiency of STI diagnosis and patient management. ELITe InGenius offers a unique menu with quantitative and qualitative assays for transplant pathogen monitoring, healthcare associated infections, respiratory infections, meningitis, sexually transmitted infections, and the testing of coagulation factors.

Read more

The Aquila 3-part differential hematology analyser (60 samples /hour throughput) can be used in many testing locations where high-quality complete blood count (CBC) results are desired. The instrument provides an optimal testing solution for both the experienced and inexperienced user, and practices which require a high-quality hematology analyser. Specifically designed for the decentralized laboratory and near-patient testing situations, this small analyser has low reagent consumption (<12ml), requires only a small sample size (20µl) and has a unique on-board reagent pack (sufficient for approximately 200 measurement cycles). With a small footprint, the analyser can be used in many locations, including small laboratories and in point-of-care applications. The low instrument reagent consumption coupled with its on-board reagent pack ensure that the shipping, storage and usage of reagents deliver enhanced ease of use as well as significant cost reductions. The newly available analyser, while requiring little bench space, features a large touch screen, an intuitive user interface, an optional back-up battery pack and extended connectivity options.
Read more

The FastPack IP System is a fully automated quantitative immunoassay analyser designed for use in any size physician office laboratory. Utilizing sophisticated chemiluminescence technology, it provides the capability to produce complex immunoassay results in 12 minutes or less with a push of a button. The FastPack IP System is versatile and requires minimal space while offering a test menu that will make a clinical impact at the point-of-care. Assays include Vitamin D, Testosterone, TSH, Free T4, PSA and hCG. The system is simple to use with no specialized training required and “One Touch” operation providing an easy to use format. The innovative reagent pack contains all assay reagents for no chemical exposure with minimal hands-on time. No system maintenance is required. “On Demand” results increase office efficiencies by decreasing patient call-backs, while patient side answers allow for the adjustment of replacement therapy on the spot. The system requires minimal space, yet provides laboratory accuracy and precision at the simple push of a button. It utilizes monoclonal antibody technology coupled with a patented chemiluminescence substrate for true laboratory performance.

Read more

A new automated, high-performance cell washer has been specifically designed to enable precise, thorough, reproducible and rapid blood cell washing of up to 24 tubes in a three-minute run. Fully automated, the Thermo Scientific CW3 Cell Washer has been uniquely engineered to combine the benefits of efficient performance with user-friendly design and safe operation. Users can select one of the pre-set programs that have been designed to run in automatic mode, accelerate blood cell washing cycles and achieve significant time savings, while allowing for maximum ease of use and sample safety. Effective blood cell washing is extremely important in the removal of plasma and unwanted antibodies to ensure that patients will not be affected by adverse health effects and that blood-transfused products will retain all of their beneficial attributes. The CW3 Cell Washer has been designed to achieve optimal corpuscle dryness by allowing users to pre-set the desired decanting speed. At the same time, corpuscle washing is improved via the optional overfl ow method. For washing, tubes swing at a fixed positive angle to sediment cells rapidly at the bottom of the tube, whereas when decanting, the rotor holds tubes at a slightly negative angle and the saline is decanted centrifugally. The result is optimized pelleting performance. Furthermore, the flexibility to use 12- or 24-place rotors and standardized, repeatable procedures enables the instrument to adapt to the processes and protocols already in place within the lab. Built with sample safety in mind, the compact CW3 Cell Washer features an automatic alert mechanism that informs users about low or disrupted saline levels and when a run is complete. A view port on top of the unit facilitates quick calibration, while the saline distributor is mounted directly on top of the rotor to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. The new washer is also equipped with tube racks bearing red and blue number labelling for easy sample balancing. In addition, when closed-monitoring of the washing process is required, the system can be operated manually to allow for cells that need to be washed step-by-step. As a low maintenance instrument, the CW3 Cell Washer includes easy-to-change pump tubing and an easy-toremove catch basin, rotor and rotating bowl.
Read more

A new version of the A15, a benchtop analyser with a throughput of 150 tests per hour featuring simplicity, high flexibility and analytical robustness, is available now with a new integrated cooling system to increase on-board reagent stability. This new optional configuration guarantees high reagent stability even for those laboratories working in continuous mode, as well as simplifying reagent handling for those that prefer to keep reagents on board. The new cooling system, with a capacity of up to 20 reagents on board in any combination of 20 and 50 mL vials, is able to maintain them at 10ºC below room temperature. It provides increasing stability for those reagents known to be affected by variations or high room temperatures, reducing time required to reagent preparation while facilitating reagent configuration steps. The company also provides a wide range of dedicated and validated reagents, designed to achieve optimal analytical performance when used with its analysers.
Read more