Bio-Rad Laboratories, a global leader of life science research and clinical diagnostic products, has introduced StarBright Violet 515 (SBV515) Dye, the first of a new range of unique fluorescent nanoparticles, for use in flow cytometry. Star- Bright Dyes are conjugated to a growing range of antibodies and are compatible with most flow cytometers and experimental protocols.
The StarBright Violet 515 Dye with an excitation maximum at 401 nanometre and emission maximum of 516 nanometre offers researchers improved brightness to resolve rare and low antigen density populations more easily. It has a narrow emission profile to reduce spillover into neighbouring filters and minimal excitation by other lasers, making it suitable for inclusion in multicolour panels.
The dye is not susceptible to photobleaching, delivers high lot-to-lot reproducibility, and is stable at 4°C with no loss of signal to help ensure consistent staining and deliver reliable results. It has been tested in many common staining buffers and there is no requirement to use a special staining buffer, permitting easy integration into common experimental protocols without compromising performance. StarBright Violet 515 Dye is compatible with Bio-Rad’s ZE5 Cell Analyzer, S3e Cell Sorter, as well as other cytometers, and it is suitable for both conventional and spectral flow.
Mike Blundell, Bio-Rad Product Manager, Life Science Group, commented: “StarBright Violet 515 Dye is brighter than other common dyes that emit at similar wavelengths. The dye is flexible enough to fit into any flow cytometry panel, allowing researchers to multiplex with ease regardless of flow cytometer and experimental protocol, and it offers a superior alternative for fluorophores that have emission maxima between 500 and 550 nanometres.”
For more information, visit: www.bio-rad-antibodies.com/starbright
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BioChromato has introduced a gamma sterilized version of its popular RAPID Slit Seal for scientists looking to eliminate solvent evaporation from samples when culturing cells in 96-well microplates.
The RAPID Slit Seal is a proprietary self-closing microplate seal that returns to its original state even when punched with an HPLC or LC/MS autosampler. As a result, loss of volatile solvents from samples is eliminated.
In addition, with RAPID Slit Seal, insertion of pipette tips and sampling needles is easier and can be achieved without dragging.
In addition, with RAPID Slit Seal, insertion of pipette tips and sampling needles is easier and can be achieved without dragging.

• For further information, visit: www.bicr.biz/product/consumables/rapid-slit-seal

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Haematex has introduced Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) in the form of rapidlydissolving 500 nanogram “dots” on disposable plastic strips. They are stabilized in a thin, flexible film supported on a clear, inert backing. The film dissolves within 2 minutes in 1 ml of fluids such as blood, plasma or urine, thereby transferring the compound into samples. The effect of such inhibitors on individual plasmas can then be assessed using clotting or chromogenic tests.
The new supported film technology is adaptable to any potent, stable agent. It allows a library of compounds to be held as a flat collection rather than in vials, thereby allowing for more easy transport and storage.
Dabigatran-like, edoxaban-like, betrixabanlike, rivaroxaban-like and apixaban-like compounds are available. Heparin (0.3 Iu) is also available. All “dots” are colour-coded for recognition. They are especially useful for checking the effect of DOAC-extracting agents such as DOAC Stop™. They are also available in smaller sizes and in mini-tubes.
For more information, email: info@haematex.com or visit: www.haematex.com
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Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are responsible for a high number of patient deaths in hospital settings and significantly contribute to health care costs. The reduction of healthcare-associated MRSA infections could potentially improve patient outcome and reduce the level of service, provided test results can be turned around in an adequate time and testing is cost effective. The Sentosa SA Direct MRSA/SA PCR test is a rapid PCR 4-plex assay for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of S. aureus Type I to VII and XI SCCmec/orf X cassettes including mecC. Test results are available after only 2.5 hours with minimum hands-on time due to automated reporting. Differential target detection reduces the number of false positive MRSA results caused by cassette “empty” mecA or S. epidermidis infections. The reliable and cost efficient Sentosa SA Direct MRSA/SA PCR test is well suited for today’s healthcare settings and an excellent alternative to culture methods or more cost-intensive PCR tests.

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The newest instrument in Beckman Coulter’s Coulter Cellular Analysis System, the UniCel DxH Slidemaker Stainer (DxH SMS) prepares slides automatically based on slide orders received from laboratory information systems, using customisable criteria for blood film preparation and adjustable staining protocols. With hands-free operation and utilising innovative proprietary technology and lean design principles, the instrument is designed to increase laboratory productivity by providing users with state-of-the-art technology, a reliable system to minimise laboratory downtime and consistently excellent smear quality. Minimal operator intervention is required. Features are included to help laboratory personnel easily track samples and increase productivity. The sophisticated sample tracking tool allows users to find the slide location by simply searching for a particular patient. It includes default protocols as well as an open system where users can select a stain that is suitable for their laboratory. By combining and automating the slide stainer and slide maker into one module, a small footprint is offered and very little maintenance is required. Additionally, customised configurations are provided allowing labs to meet nearly every level of throughput and ‘load ‘n’ go’ capabilities to increase daily productivity levels. State-of-the-art software includes an intuitive interface, thermal printing and 2D barcode scanning.
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