A new connectivity package for EKF’s Quo-Test and Quo-Lab HbA1c analysers enables secure bidirectional communication between these POC analysers and a multitude of central data management systems. Using the industry recognized POCT1-A2 communication protocol, EKF’s connectivity solution unlocks a host of new features aimed at improving security and quality control (QC) for diabetic HbA1c testing. The new connectivity package includes a proprietary connector interface box, cables and a software upgrade. This enables EKF’s HbA1c analysers to automatically transmit patient data to the majority of Lab Information Management Systems (LIMS) or Hospital Information Systems (HIS). Traceability and results recall speed are improved by use of patient ID and increased demographic data (such as family name and date of birth). These can now be recorded through either selecting from a pre-approved list or via the barcode scanner and keyboard. Also ensuring the integrity of results generated at the POC, security and QC are enhanced on Quo-Lab and Quo-Test through user ID and QC lockout functions which are included in the connectivity package. By restricting access to trained users only, the lockout functions minimize the chances of user error and adhere to security protocols in many institutions. Furthermore, unauthorized users will be prevented from accessing patient information. Multiple user-defined QC lockout options are also available to POCT coordinators in order to enforce regular testing of QC materials and ensure compliance. HbA1c, or glycated hemoglobin, is well recognized as a reliable measure for glycemic control and managing patients with diabetes. As HbA1c levels reflect average circulating glucose concentration over a two to three month period, this means that it can offer greater clinical information than a single glucose measurement. Quo-Lab and Quo-Test analysers deliver lab-quality results for HbA1c from 4μL of blood within 4 minutes, enabling the consulting clinician to give immediate feedback to a patient. In addition to ensuring the reliability of results, the new connectivity package also allows the clinician to add commentary to any test result, further enhancing the monitoring and management of diabetes in a point-of-care setting.
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In order to meet the needs of the mid-high size laboratories segment, HORIBA Medical has developed a new high range solution in hematology : the HELO Solution (HELO : HORIBA Evolutive Laboratory Organisation). Based on the combination of innovative and proven technologies, it is perfectly suited to laboratories whose throughput extends from 300 to 20,000 tubes per day. The analysers Yumizen H2500 / H1500 and SPS (slide stainer) are the new analytical cores of this system. The overall results (patients and quality controls) produced by the instruments are analyzed, checked and validated by the Yumizen P8000, a new generation of specialized hematology validation station (Middleware). This solution allows laboratories organized in multi-sites to centralize data management, optimize automatic validation of results (customizable rules engine), while controlling productivity, thanks to real-time performance indicators (status connection, maintenance, TAT, manual validation, etc.). The management of reagents and waste has been optimized and is an integral part of the HELO Solution. In addition, the company’s system of connected analytical devices and high throughput tube conveyer, the Yumizen T6000 connection automation system, allows the link of all the analysers. Based on several patents, the Yumizen T6000 system optimizes the flow of tubes, in order to offer the best possible TAT. It offers 4 types of configuration: linear to replace identical configurations; angle to adapt the configuration of your laboratory; workcell to maximize personnel efficiency and island to minimize the floor area. Combined with the QAP programme (Quality Assurance Programme) the HELO Solution is in full compliance with ISO 15189.

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Beckman Coulter Life Sciences has opened up the possibilities for cancer researchers with the launch of the first flow cytometer to offer excitation sources across the visible spectrum in a standard configuration. The CytoFLEX LX Blue-Red-Violet-Yellow Green-Ultraviolet-Infrared series incorporates excitation sources from ultraviolet 355 nm to infrared 808 nm alongside the existing Avalanche photodiode detectors (APD).  For the first time, this allows researchers to utilize the periphery of the visible spectrum. The CytoFLEX provides powerful analytical performance in a compact, benchtop instrument.  It leverages the effective use of Avalanche photodiode detectors to deliver the instrument’s advanced sensitivity. They work in conjunction with the different lasers, detecting the light emitted from the cells after excitation.  The addition of the new ultraviolet laser further expands the applications available to the researcher. While flow cytometry is recognized as a powerful technique for single cell analysis, traditionally it has focused on the centre of the visible light spectrum. The availability of the UV excitation source opens up research into cell-cell interactions under both normal and abnormal conditions.  For example, this will enable investigators to obtain separation of non-stained auto-fluorescing populations from positively stained populations. At the other end of the spectrum lie the infrared wavelengths, 808 nm. This is a field where more and more detectors are packed into an already crowded space.  The opening up of the infrared end of the spectrum sees an exciting expansion of the capabilities of flow cytometry.  Biologists will have space in the spectrum to simplify complex experiments, helping them tease apart subtle, but potentially meaningful, variations in their cellular analyses. The decision to incorporate Avalanche photodiode detectors, not available in other flow cytometers, in the design of the original CytoFLEX makes this expansion possible.  With their high and stable quantum efficiency from 400 to 1100 nm, they can enhance performance when using the new infrared laser.  In addition, the CytoFLEX includes an extensive set of repositionable band pass filters, the flexibility to upgrade by adding additional parameters and intuitive software to facilitate multicolour analysis.  

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InnovaStar is an automatic compact POCT analyser for the daily practice that delivers result quality comparable to laboratory analysers for HbA1c, CRP, glucose and hemoglobin directly from a single 10 μl whole blood sample. The complete measurement procedure, including a sample individual hematocrit correction, is performed automatically thus reducing any handling errors. The newly integrated 2.8” colour touch-screen further improves the ease of use of the instrument, enabling the operator to enter any information such as patient data, user identification etc. The new graphical user interface allows a more efficient access to all soft ware functions and displays on-screen instructions where required. The up-to-date soft ware uses self-explanatory icons for a nearly languageindependent operation of the instrument.
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