The BD COR System from BD (Beckton, Dickinson and Company) is an automated, high throughput molecular diagnostics system developed for large capacity laboratories. The modular and scalable design addresses lab needs to expand molecular testing offerings and increase test volumes by integrating and automating the complete molecular laboratory workflow. The system allows samples to be processed directly from liquid-based cytology vials and is capable of running the diagnostic workflow from pre-analytical processing to test result, unlike other automated molecular diagnostic platforms. As offerings expand, the system will provide a solution for a menu of clinically differentiated diagnostic assays for infectious diseases.  It has on-board capacity for reagents and samples to provide up to 360 results in eight hours of system processing, eliminating multiple technologist interactions per shift. Currently, the BD COR System is CE-IVD marked. It integrates and automates the complete molecular laboratory workflow from pre-analytical processing to diagnostic test result. The system will be initially available with the BD Onclarity HPV Assay for the detection and extended genotyping of human papilloma virus (HPV). The system enables the processing of samples directly from liquid-based cytology vials, the creation of molecular aliquot tubes and assay testing, replacing labour-intensive and error-prone manual processes with automated ones. Over the coming years, the company plans to continue seeking regulatory authorizations to sell the BD COR System around the world while expanding the content menu to include many other assays for infectious diseases. The BD Onclarity HPV assay detects and identifies 14 high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types and provides genotyping information from specimens collected for cervical cancer screening purposes in the BD SurePath Vial and in the Hologic PreservCyt Solution (not approved in the United States). Different configurations of the test are CE marked and FDA approved.
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The VACUETTE FC Mix Tube is specifically designed for reliable detection of diabetes and taking appropriate measures to combat the condition. The citrate/citric acid buffer ensures a quick stabilization of the blood sample. The glycolysis is catalysed and suppressed. Therefore, the blood sugar is held constantly at the in vivo value. Due to the sodium fluoride additive contained in the VACUETTE FC Mix Tube, inhibition is extended to 48 hours. Additionally, Na2-EDTA is included as an anticoagulant, which is effective due to complexation of Ca++. The almost full inhibition of glycolysis in the VACUETTE FC Mix Tube means that diagnosis is a much more reliable process than before. The stabilization is carried out in whole blood and therefore does not require immediate centrifugation. Unlike in tubes with liquid additives, the finely granulated additive does not cause a dilution effect. The breakdown of glucose (glycolysis) in venous blood samples is of great significance in pre-analytics, particularly in relation to the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and gestational diabetes. To prevent imme-diate glycolysis in the event of delay between blood collection and measurement in the lab, test tubes should include a citrate/citric acid buffer as well as sodium fluoride (NaF).
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ioLight, creator of the world’s first high-resolution portable microscope, has now designed a new compact inverted microscope for cell culture observation in the lab. This very compact, lightweight and robust inverted microscope is even tough enough for use inside an incubator. The ioLight inverted microscope is just 170mm in size and sealed to protect the inner workings. This means it is perfectly suited to observing cell culture in a lab incubator without having to open the door. Cell development is monitored by an inverted microscope, with the lens underneath the petri dish looking upwards into the sample with illuminators both above and below the sample. Because the inverted microscope accommodates a petri dish, observation of cells and organisms can be achieved using standard laboratory procedures without having to prepare a slide sample. Through a simple Wi-Fi connection, the inverted microscope enables images to be stored on a tablet, mobile phone or laptop and shared instantly with collaborators anywhere. The ioLight inverted microscope uses both bright field and dark field illumination. Bright field mode illuminates high contrast samples from above, displaying them against a bright background. Dark field mode illuminates lower contrast or even transparent samples with scattered light, highlighting them against a dark background. This allows a wide range of samples to be imaged. The ioLight inverted microscope is a cost-effective and compact laboratory tool that is really simple to use. Users have the ability to view images on a mobile phone and because it is wireless they can leave the microscope inside an incubator so they do not have to disrupt the experimental conditions.
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