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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Cryogenic sample storage requires tubes that can withstand the pressures of being frozen in liquid nitrogen and thawed again. Providing biological sample storage in temperatures as low as -196oC, the Cryo- Clear vials feature a unique screw cap that is co-moulded with thermoplastic elastomer eliminating the need for silicone o-rings. This special process prevents the risk of sample contamination and provides the purest and most leak-resistant vial available. The tubes are certified 95kPA to provide a 100% leak-proof seal. Each production lot is certified by an independent laboratory to be free of human DNA, DNase, RNase, Pyrogens and ATP, and the vials are manufactured, assembled and packaged in a Class 7 clean room and never exposed to outside contaminants. Each tube is printed with a unique 128-format barcode for automated data collection, accurate sample inventory and to hide the identity of the sample. The vials are available with internal and external threads and with round or self-standing interlocking bottoms.
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Kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1) has been qualified by the Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency as a highly sensitive and specific urinary biomarker to monitor drug-induced kidney injury in preclinical studies and on a case-by-case basis in clinical trials. The urinary Kim-1 band intensity using the Kim-1 dipstick significantly correlated with levels of Kim-1 as measured by a microbead-based assay, histopathological damage, and immunohistochemical assessment of renal Kim-1 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Kim-1 was detected following kidney injury induced in rats by cadmium, gentamicin, or bilateral renal ischaemia/reperfusion. In humans, the urinary KIM-1 band intensity was significantly greater in urine from patients with acute kidney injury than in urine from healthy volunteers. The KIM-1 dipstick also enabled temporal evaluation of kidney injury and recovery in two patients who developed postoperative acute kidney injury following cytoreductive surgery for malignant mesothelioma with intraoperative local cisplatin administration.
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The MDF-U76V ultra-low freezer combines improved cooling performance with outstanding energy efficiency. The advantages include greater security for precious research or clinical samples, as well as significantly lower running costs and added environmental benefits. This latest -86ºC VIP upright freezer has been specifically designed to meet the growing demand for energy savings, without in any way compromising freezer performance. In fact, cooling efficiency, insulation characteristics and door-open recovery times have all been enhanced via a capillary tube heat exchanger, next-generation VIP PLUS insulation, and the Cool Safe compressor. As a result, greater temperature uniformity throughout the freezer and faster temperature pull-down contribute to industry-leading sample security. The advanced new capillary tube heat exchanger significantly increases the overall efficiency of the freezer. By optimising the available heat exchange areas, system reliability is also increased and energy consumption is cut. In addition to helping minimise energy use, the high performance patented vacuum panels together with high-density foam insulation enable the freezers to provide up to 30 per cent more storage capacity than a conventionally insulated freezer, saving valuable lab space. An optional water-cooled condenser is also available. This enables laboratories with a chilled re-circulating water system to reduce the requirement for air conditioning within the freezer facility, reuse heat energy elsewhere and achieve even greater savings.
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