Greiner Bio-One has launched their VeinViewer® which makes veins visible and helps to improve the success rate of an initial venipuncture. This significantly increases patient satisfaction and safety.
The VeinViewer uses harmless near-infrared (NIR) light which is directed towards the patient’s skin. Haemoglobin in the blood absorbs the NIR light and the surrounding tissue reflects it back to the VeinViewer device, where the data is processed into an image. Colour is added and the image is reflected on to the skin to provide a real time visualization of the blood vessels up to 10 mm below the skin.
High definition imaging technology helps provide clinicians with clear, sharp imaging which is particularly useful when vein visibility is poor.
Two VeinViewer devices are available. VeinViewer Flex is a portable device for use in emergency situations. It can also be made static by using the flexible arm to attach it to a table top or chair arm for example, which is useful when space is limited.
The VeinViewer Vision2 is a mobile imaging unit with an arm reaching up to 1.35 metres. It is attached to a trolley for easy transportation between beds or phlebotomy chairs.
For more information, visit: www.gbo.com
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Clinical research, forensic and anti-doping toxicology laboratories facing the challenges of analysing increasing numbers of analytes in biological matrices, can now easily and rapidly optimize their liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods for targeted screening and quantification with the new Thermo Scientific Tox Explorer Collection.
The Tox Explorer Collection offers a comprehensive LC-MS workstream for toxicology assays. It consists of proven methods enabling toxicology laboratories to achieve accurate, high-resolution data, regardless of analyte type, matrix complexities or user expertise.
The Tox Explorer Collection consists of a comprehensive library of analytes, allowing for faster identification and targeted screening assays with 1,500 compounds confirmed in a single analysis.
The Thermo Scientific Tox Explorer Collection is compromised of the following components:

“Toxicology laboratories must ensure they carry out reliable, reproducible and sensitive analyses with a quick turnaround, using numerous instruments and software to ensure thorough sample screening,” said Brad Hart, senior director, clinical research, chromatography and mass spectrometry, Thermo Fisher Scientific.
“The Thermo Scientific Tox Explorer Collection provides a robust, consistent, all-in-one LC-MS workstream, with an extensive library of analytes to allow for high-performance, targeted analyte screening on a daily basis.”
To accompany the Tox Explorer Collection, Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a strong customer support network, comprising a comprehensive training and application support package. The package is coupled with a complete start-up guide that includes installation and method instructions.
For more information, visit: www.thermofisher.com/ToxExplorer
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Eliminating the hassle of ‘in-house’ data printing, CILS provides immediate, custom printed durable laboratory labels for all applications. Working from any data format (spreadsheets, laboratory management systems etc), the company can print any industry barcode (Code 128, 2D Datamatix, Code 39 etc) onto a range of over 3,500 application-specific durable label material/adhesive combinations, resistant to the harshest laboratory processes including cryogenic freezer storage (-196°C), steam sterilization cycles, chemicals/ solvents, repeated handling etc. CILS durable laboratory barcode labels are constructed to any size, shape, colour, pre-printed corporate design and material/adhesive combination.
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Designed for the special protein laboratory, Optilite is fully optimized to create simplicity from complex analytical processes. It enhances efficiency, saves time and reduces costs with its easy-to-use, intelligent system, making it possible to streamline workload through flexible, unrestricted access to samples, reagents and cuvettes for smart resource management and optimal productivity. Unique features include three methods of antigen excess detection providing unparalleled protection. The custom design ensures the analyser and assays work in harmony and maximizes their potential.
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ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence tests (IIFT) have been developed for sensitive and specific detection of antibodies against Zika virus in patient serum samples. The assays are suitable for diagnosing acute infections as well as for disease surveillance. In particular, serological analyses can aid the differentiation of infections with Zika virus, dengue virus and chikungunya virus, which manifest with similar symptoms and are endemic in much the same geographic regions. Anti-Zika Virus ELISA (IgM or IgG) are based on highly specific recombinant Zika NS1 protein which avoids cross reactivity with other flaviviruses. Data from panels of well characterized sera have confirmed that there is no cross reactivity with flaviviruses including dengue, West Nile, yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis viruses. In studies on clinically and serologically characterized samples the IgM and IgG ELISA showed 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Anti-Zika Virus IIFT (IgM or IgG) utilize Zika virus-infected cells as the antigenic substrate. Positive and negative results are evaluated by fluorescence microscopy. With the Arboviral Fever Mosaic 2 the Zika virus substrate is incubated in parallel with substrates for chikungunya virus and dengue virus serotypes 1 to 4. This BIOCHIP combination can help in the differential diagnosis of Zika, dengue and chikungunya virus infections. Due to the use of whole virus particles, cross reactivities between flavivirus antibodies can occur. Serological tests provide a longer window for diagnosis than direct detection methods, which are only effective during the viremic phase within the first week after onset of symptoms. Detection of specific IgM or a significant rise in specific IgG in a pair of samples taken seven to ten days apart is evidence of an acute infection. Serological analyses are also important for prenatal monitoring, screening of donated blood and epidemiological studies. Zika virus is the pathogenic agent of Zika fever, an infectious topical disease which manifests with fever, exanthema and arthritis. Zika virus infection has been linked to congenital malformations, in particular microcephaly, and neurological complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome. The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes of the Aedes family. Zika virus is currently spreading explosively in the Americas.
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