FUS-2000 Urinalysis Hybrid is a unique system integrating urine automatic microscopy and chemical analysis into a single instrument with one sample aspiration. Thanks to a flat flow cytometry technique applied to automatic microscopy, unlike other urine microscopy analysers, the FUS-2000 separates the same types of particles and puts them all in one category to review, allowing much higher linearity. Various strips choices and as many as 14 dry chemistry parameters provide doctors and patients with more diagnostic data. FUS-2000 software is intuitive, well-designed and up-to-date. With flexible and quick response to customers’ request, the software has relatively frequent upgrades with new features. The instrument saves labs space as well as time with its constant throughput of 240t/h in dry chemistry mode and of 120/h in sediments or hybrid mode. In addition, the FUS-2000 features extremely quiet operation.

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Beckman Coulter recently announced the release of the DxH 900 hematology analyser, giving mid- to high-volume clinical laboratories the ability to perform complete blood count (CBC) and white blood cell differential tests with minimal repeats. The DxH 900 is now available for sale in Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The DxH 900 analyser offers advanced technologies to support patient care, by delivering the right results the first time. Foundational to the system are its core technologies, including the enhanced Coulter Principle, VCS 360 and DataFusion. These features offer high-resolution analysis of cells in their near-native states, providing a precise cellular assessment for excellent red blood cell, platelet and white blood cell test results on the first pass. The suite of technologies is intended to help laboratories deliver quality results for fast, accurate clinical decision-making. At the same time, the system includes automated solutions that streamline the number of procedural steps needed to produce those results, offering predictable performance and greater laboratory efficiency. The DxH 900 analyser demonstrates 93% first-pass throughput, providing accurate flagging and reducing the number of slide reviews. This helps to generate reportable results as quickly as possible, reducing the time, supplies and costs that may be required for systems with higher repeat rates. Adding to this is the analyser’s lean reagent portfolio, which includes four reagents compared to eleven reagents required by other analysers. Further, the DxH 900 features one of the smallest footprints in its class, making it highly efficient in utilization of laboratory space. Many of the parameters available with the DxH 900 analyser are designed to directly impact patient care by addressing critical conditions, such as thrombocytopenia, anemia and leukopenia. Beckman Coulter is evaluating a hematology sepsis parameter that is part of a routinely ordered test in the emergency department, where earlier recognition and treatment of sepsis can begin. This test can be performed on the DxH 900 analyser (see below). The DxH 900 hematology analyser complements the recently announced DxH 520 system, and further expands Beckman Coulter’s hematology portfolio.
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In 2016, 91 countries reported a total of 216 million cases of malaria, an increase of 5 million cases over the previous year. The global tally of malaria deaths reached 445,000 deaths, about the same number reported in 2015. Although malaria case incidence has fallen globally since 2010, the rate of decline has stalled and even reversed in some regions since 2014. Mortality rates have followed a similar pattern. Early and accurate diagnosis of malaria is essential for both rapid and effective disease management and surveillance. High-quality malaria diagnosis is important in all settings as misdiagnosis can result in significant morbidity and mortality. The proportion of febrile children presenting for treatment is mainly taking place in Public Health facilities (from 2013-2015, 35-50 % febrile children presented in sub-Saharan Africa countries). With a clinical sensitivity and specificity reaching 80% of data results performed on P. vivax and P. falciparum, the Malaria flag of HORIBA Medical delivers a Suspicion Malaria Infection screening provided in routine use on hematology analysers. It is combined with the hematology whole blood count and not a separate test with additional costs. This Suspicion Malaria flag is generated by a complex algorithm using the “data mining” technique based on the analysis of many analytical variables of the complete hemogram and not only variables of the automated formula. The Malaria flag is used as a screening test and invites the biologist to implement the usual laboratory techniques for the diagnosis of malaria. The Suspicion Malaria Flag option is available on the ABX Pentra XL 80 and Pentra XLR range and, hence, offers a cost effective and fast malaria screening. Since complete blood count (CBC) and leukocyte differential count (DIF) are the basic, most common tests in clinical laboratories, hematology analysers that can screen for the presence of malaria parasites offer a significant advantage for both potentially malaria-infected patients and busy diagnostic labs. HORIBA hematology systems combine micro sampling, efficiency, robust technology, intuitive software as well as high throughput (rapid one-minute whole blood testing) at costs lower than other methods, such as microscopic examination.

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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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