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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A new reagent for measurement of unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC) in serum and plasma based on the direct method doesn’t require any manual precipitation process. Serum Iron is transported from one organ to another as Fe3+ by apotransferrin, a plasma iron transport protein. The apotransferrin-Fe3+ complex is called transferrin. Normally, only about one third of the iron binding sites of transferrin are occupied by iron. The additional amount of iron that can be bound is the Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC). The sum of iron concentration and UIBC represents the Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC). A decrease in Iron Binding Capacity may be due to hemochromatosis, acute iron poisoning, active cirrhosis or acute hepatitis. Iron binding capacity is usually increased in anemia by iron deficiency. BioSystems introduces this method (Ferrozine – differential bireagent) in its portfolio for both manual and automated systems.

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