Micro Annular Gear Pumps
Designed to provide precise, pulseless flow
Micropump’s microannular gear pumps offer precise flow-rate control for a variety of applications. Offered in a low-pressure (Series ML) or high-performance (Series MH) configuration, the compact, versatile pumps help conserve valuable liquids and increase the overall efficiency of systems. For maximum dosage accuracy, Series ML and MH pumps feature high-precision rotors that provide tight flow-rate control, even at differential pressures as high as 80 bar (1,160 psi). These rotors allow the pumps to dispense volumes as small as 0.25 µL and handle flow rates from 0.15 to 300 µL/min, with accuracies within +/- 1%. In addition, the pumps use gear tooth-forming technology that keeps pulsations to a minimum to provide the smooth, constant flow necessary in applications such as analytical lab instruments, medical diagnostics, chemical processing, fuel cells, biotechnology, microreaction technology, and other critical application processes. Measuring as small as 13 mm (0.51 inches) in diameter by 68 mm (2.67 inches) in length, Series ML and MH microannular pumps are easily integrated into OEM equipment with small-footprint, low-weight, and short-tubing-length requirements.

Micropump Inc
(360) 253-2008; www.micropump.com


Clinical Centrifuge Package
With a larger bowl for additional rotors
The OptiSpin™ centrifuge package from HELMER now includes the Hettich Rotina 38 centrifuge, which has been designed with a larger bowl to accommodate additional rotors. The package also includes a four-place swing-out rotor, and four 12-place rotor blocks. It can be used for many lab applications, including specimen receiving, sample processing, and platelet-poor plasma. The OptiSpin-R package, which includes the Rotina 38R refrigerated centrifuge, is also available. The OptiSpin packages can spin 48 12/13/16 x 75/100-mm Vacutainer® tubes or 24 15-mL conicals. The Rotina 38 centrifuge features a brushless drive, programmable run-up/run-down time, and an impulse key for short spins. The digital control panel stores and recalls three complete programs. RPM and RCF can be input in increments of 10, and run time is programmable in minutes and seconds. The housing is constructed of metal with a stainless steel chamber. Automatic rotor recognition ensures proper rotor usage. Safety features include lid lock and hold, emergency lid release, and imbalance switch off.

HELMER Inc
(317) 773-9073; www.helmerinc.com


Mobile Computer Workstations
Feature an open-wire design
Mobile computer workstations from Eagle MHC combine flexibility with durability. These workstations feature Eagle’s patented QuadTruss® open-wire design for 25% greater shelf strength, and reduced moisture and dust buildup. These workstations are ideal for a wide variety of work environments, including material handling, electronic assembly, cleanroom manufacturing, and health care facilities. Workstations are now available in two sizes: 24 x 24 inches, or 30 x 30 inches, both with a 39-inch working height. Workstations have adjustable shelves on 1-inch increments for added flexibility. An optional swivel mouse pad holder mounts on the operator’s right or left. Other options include a keyboard drawer; an antistatic drag chain; plus a choice of decorative, swivel, or swivel/brake casters. Mobile computer workstations are offered in a chrome or stainless-steel finish. In addition to standard dimensions, custom configurations are available.

Eagle MHC
(800) 637-5100; www.eaglegrp.com


High-Purity Solvents
For analytical testing
Mallinckrodt Baker Inc has released a series of extensions to its line of J T Baker® brand LC/MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) solvent blends. The new blends, which incorporate either formic acid or trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in water, bolster the existing product line to provide consistent and cost-efficient LC/MS blends that yield increased productivity during analytical testing. All of the solvents have reduced contaminants and minimal metal adduct formation, organic contamination, and ionization suppression. The solvents also have lower impurity levels, which increases column life and reduces irreversible absorption. The overall performance of J T Baker blends improves the ability to detect impurities and/or degradants in pharmaceutical formulations, helping to create a more expeditious drug-development process.

Mallinckrodt Baker Inc
(800) 582-2537; www.mallbaker.com


Microtiter Polypropylene Microplates
Featuring chemical and temperature resistance
Thermo Electron Corp has released its new Microtiter® polypropylene 96-well microplates. Available in both standard height and deep-well formats, the microplates conform to the footprint recommendations of the Society for Biomolecular Screening (SBS). Made from virgin polypropylene and designed with unique V-bottom wells, the new Microtiter microplates support a range of applications, from coldstorage of patient or biomolecular samples to high-temperature incubations. In addition, the Thermo polypropylene microplates are compatible with various plate-handling equipment to accommodate pharmaceutical applications, sample collection and storage, combinatorial chemistry, and high-throughput screening research. Due to the temperature range of -196 to +121°C, the Thermo polypropylene microplates can be fully autoclaved to ensure sterility and be used to store samples in liquid N2. Being chemically inert, the microplates are also perfectly suited to all standard solvents and sample media, including dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The standard microplates hold up to 0.5 mL per well, whereas the deep-well microplates have a capacity of 2.0 mL and are specifically designed for use with the Thermo Kingfisher® 96 magnetic particle purification processor.

Thermo Electron Corp
(508) 482-7000; www.thermo.com/microtiter


Lipase Reagent
No serum matrix effects
Stanbio Laboratory has developed a new reagent test to measure lipase in serum or plasma on the SIRRUS® benchtop clinical chemistry analyzer. This enzymatic, colorimetric method uses a synthetically produced lipase substrate in a microemulsion that is specifically split by lipase in the presence of colipase and bile acids. The combination of lipase and bile acids makes this specific and reliable for pancreatic lipase without any reaction due to lipolytic enzymes or esterases. The reagent composition has been thoroughly optimized so there is no serum matrix effect. The generated methylresorufin-ester is spontaneously degraded to methylresorufin. The absorbance of this red dye is directly proportional to the lipase activity in the sample. Each reagent bottle can run 50 tests, is packaged six bottles per kit, and features 30-day onboard stability and 30-day calibration stability. Associated calibrator and controls are also available. SIRRUS is a fully automated benchtop chemistry analyzer capable of performing up to 400 tests per hour. Stanbio offers a broad menu of ready-to-use, bar-coded, liquid reagents, and the flexibility to configure open-channel applications. Features such as reusable cuvettes, Windows®-based software, auto-rerun, and auto-dilution make it easy to learn and efficient to operate. SIRRUS also accepts bar-coded primary sample tubes and allows stat interruptions.

Stanbio Laboratory
(866) 782-6246; www.stanbio.com


Automated Agarose Gel Analyzer
Works in all major electrophoresis tests
Microgel is the new fully automated agarose gel analyzer made by Interlab. Microgel performs in full automation all major electrophoresis tests such as: serum proteins, serum proteins ß1/ß2, alkaline and acid hemoglobins, lipoproteins; HR proteins of serum and CSF; unconcentrated urine proteins; and in semiautomation immunofixation (both in amido black or acid violet), immunofixation bence-jones, isoenzymes of LDH, ALP, and CPK. Microgel has the capability to work in a continuous mode; and by simultaneously combining different protocols, an extremely high and flexible throughput is achieved—up to 150 tests per hour.

Interlab Srl
+39-06-22754350; www.interlab-srl.com


Nontoxic Aqueous Reagents
For facilitating reproducible and superior staining
BioGenex EZ-AR™ enables a one-step dewax, rehydration, and antigen retrieval in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections. The solutions are nontoxic, aqueous reagents that facilitate highly reproducible and superior staining more rapidly than conventional methods. The EZ-AR solutions solve many problems encountered by the traditional tissue-pretreatment methods, including result inconsistency, poor stain quality, low efficiency, and high costs. BioGenex’s EZ-AR solutions are used in conjunction with the EZ Retriever® System. This system is a microwave-based time- and temperature-controlled Antigen Retrieval system that enables users to standardize dewax Rehydration and Antigen Retrieval procedures to gain high-quality stain results at an affordable cost. BioGenex offers the four different types of EZ-AR Solutions in concentrated form and as ready-to-use reagents for use on the BioGenex EZ Retriever System.

BioGenex
(800) 421-4149; www.biogenex.com


Bleach Towelettes
Now effective against vegetative cells
HYPE-WIPE® bleach towelettes are now EPA registered as effective against vegetative cells of Clostridium difficile (C. diff) in 1 minute. This product is also EPA registered with a 1-minute kill time for tuberculosis, streptococcus, salmonella, pseudomonas, and vegetative cells of C. diff; and a 2-minute kill time for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin, resistant enterococcus, and staphylococcus aureus. HYPE-WIPE bleach towelettes are registered as a one-step cleanser/disinfectant. The individually packaged towelettes have passed the independent AOAC hard-surface disinfection test. The towelettes, used to disinfect benchtops, equipment, and patient-treatment areas, are saturated with the 1:10 dilution of sodium hypochlorite. HYPE-WIPE bleach towelettes have an 18-month shelf life with the expiration date on every pouch. They eliminate the daily mixing of bleach while providing safety, convenience, and portability. Full-size towelettes contain enough fluid to wipe down 40 square feet; MINI HYPE-WIPEs are good for wiping glucometers and small spills.

Current Technologies Inc
(800) 456-4022


Recirculating Chillers
Featuring advanced process protection
Designed and engineered to optimize process protection, PolyScience 5000 and 6000 series recirculating chillers feature adjustable temperature, pressure, and flow-rate alarms that alert the user instantly to problems—such as blocked cooling lines or overloaded conditions—that could damage equipment that require precise temperature control and dependable heat removal. These high-performance chillers are capable of maintaining process temperatures from -10° to up to +70°C with ±0.1°C stability and are available with 1¼4 to 1 HP compressors. Compact, portable, and robust, PolyScience 5000 and 6000 series chillers also offer extremely user-friendly operation. Standard features include extra-large temperature and pressure/flow rate digital readouts, one-touch temperature control, and ambient temperature tracking capability. For ease of maintenance, each chiller is equipped with a quick-fill reservoir with fluid-level indicator, an easy-access fluid filter, and a removable and washable air filter; and it may be calibrated to a traceable temperature standard. For optimum versatility, each chiller can be equipped with the pump type—centrifugal positive displacement or turbine—best suited for the cooling application. A DI water package and remote control capability are also available as options.

PolyScience
(800) 229-7569; www.polyscience.com


Reagents For Hematology Analyzer
Including environmentally friendly lyse formulation
Streck has released Streck-Diulent CD and Streck-CN free Lyse CD specific reagents for the Abbott CELL-DYN® 1800 three-part differential hematology analyzer. Streck-Diluent CD and Streck-CN free Lysing Agent CD, an environmentally friendly lyse formulation, are specifically designed for use on the CELL-DYN 1800 instrument. These reagents, together with Streck-Detergent IIIA, are formulated and filtered to minimize background counts and provide accurate red-blood-cell, white-blood-cell, hemoglobin, mean-cell-volume, and platelet results with whole blood samples and controls. Consistent manufacturing quality is emphasized to minimize lot-to-lot variation in instrument performance. Packaging of Streck reagents is similar to the instrument manufacturer’s packaging configurations to provide the customer with appropriate reagent volumes depending on instrument usage and storage space. Streck also offers Streck-Kleen Concentrate, an enzymatic cleanser that removes protein buildup and debris. Use of Streck-Kleen Concentrate eliminates the need to bleach, and damage to plastic or ceramic instrument parts is avoided. The introduction of Streck-Diulent CD and Streck-CN free Lyse CD completes the Streck product line for the CD1800 analyzer. Streck offers the Para 12® hematology control, Cal-Chex calibrator, and CVA for linearity assessment.

Streck
(800) 843-0912; www.streck.com


C-Peptide ELISA Kit
Offers 0.03 ng/mL sensitivity
BIOMERICA Inc has introduced its second-generation C-peptide ELISA kit. The product is a direct label two-site ELISA intended for the quantitative determination of C-Peptide in serum. The Biomerica test offers high sensitivity (0.03 ng/mL) and a simple 11¼2-hour assay procedure. The assay uses a monoclonal antibody to measure that biologically active 31 amino acid chain of C-Peptide. C-peptide is used in the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes, glucose intolerance, insulinoma, insulin secretion in liver disease, and pancreatecomy. Due to its relative metabolic inertness, C-peptide levels in peripheral venous blood are about five to six times greater than insulin levels. A C-peptide assay has the ability to distinguish between endogenous and injected insulin. The BIOMERICA C-peptide ELISA kit contains microwell strips and enough reagents to test up to 80 patients. The immunoassay is a two-site ELISA and has a shelf life of up to a year when stored at 2 to 8°C and is intended for in vitro diagnostic use.

BIOMERICA Inc
(949) 645-2111; www.biomerica.com


Safety Syringe
Passively activates subepidermally
Devon Medical has received 510(k) clearance from the FDA to market its safety-engineered SharpShield™ syringe. SharpShield allows true single-hand injection requiring virtually no change in standard techniques. The safety device passively activates subepidermally when a form-fitted sheath slides over the needle point after the medicine is administered. This occurs before the needle is removed from the patient, preventing exposure to the contaminated needle. The plunger locks to ensure one-time use and low dead space. Unlike auto-retractable syringes, SharpShield does not cause blood splatter upon activation or removal. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that nearly one million US health care workers suffer accidental needle-stick injuries every year, not including as much as 90% of cases that go unreported, causing the occupational transmission of more than 20 blood-borne pathogens and other infectious agents. According to the World Health Organization, 40% of Hepatitis B and C infections and 2.5% of HIV/AIDS infections among health care workers are attributed to accidental stick injuries.

Devon Medical
(800) 571-3135; www.devonmedicalsupplies.com


Remote Power-Supply Monitor
Offers real-time notification of critical power-system status
MGE UPS Systems, a world-class technology leader in providing unsurpassed power-protection solutions to computer data centers, telecommunications, medical, and industrial operations, today announced its new RemotePowerMonitoring™ service that automatically monitors customers’ MGE 3-phase uninterruptible power supply (UPSs) systems around the clock, ensuring 7X24X365 online availability. Any power disturbance or irregularity is instantly recognized and reported immediately to MGE’s customer care center.

MGE’s RemotePowerMonitoring™ service provides real-time notification of UPS anomalies and equipment status to the central station at MGE’s customer care center. This easy-to-install and easy-to-use system reliably monitors various power conditions, including communication faults, battery levels, battery discharge, battery end-of-life, load-on-bypass, alarm conditions, inverter-on-battery, and internal microprocessor condition. MGE’s customer care technicians observe and analyze the minute-by-minute condition of the UPS system. When a fault is detected, a notification of the specific problem is sent by fax, e-mail, or pager to one of MGE’s 150 factory field engineers. If a critical load is at risk, a factory-trained technician will be dispatched immediately as a first responder to the UPS emergency. Along with quick response to urgent situations, the RemotePowerMonitoring service includes a unique “watchdog” feature that generates an alert if communication is broken or breached between the UPS system and MGE’s customer care center, ensuring that monitoring is always up and running. Regularly scheduled reports detailing anomalies, alarms, and routine interrogation data are compiled into one easy-to-read document. These comprehensive reports not only inform the user of the UPS’s condition, but are used to offer service on three levels through preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance. Preventive maintenance is based on constant operating analysis, while predictive maintenance relies on analysis reports and recommendations, and corrective maintenance is based on alarms and diagnostics. MGE offers continued peace of mind and responsive power protection through three maintenance service plans to help customize each customer’s level of service. RemotePowerMonitoring™, when combined with MGE’s maintenance contract and network management, includes sophisticated service such as notification of up to 50 computers, simultaneous connection of up to 15 browsers, Powershare™ software-controlled outlets, and support of network-management and building-management systems.

MGE UPS Systems
(800) 523-0142; www.mgeups.com


Internet-Based Lab Quality-Control Portal
Offers online data-management services
Bio-Rad Labs Inc has begun offering the latest expansion of QCNet™, its Internet-based laboratory quality-control portal that helps laboratories improve quality control with a comprehensive offering of online data-management services, reference materials, educational tools, and product information. Version 4.0 enhances QCNet’s offering with a new content-management system that provides the latest industry news, trends, expert articles, reference materials, relevant product information and bulletins, continuing education courses, and an events calendar. Also included are links to renowned professional organizations and international quality-control content pages. QCNet™ improves on the UnityWeb™ online data-management service by allowing quality-control point data entry, in addition to summary data. The point data are evaluated with a new range check and a Levey-Jennings analysis prior to submission to Bio-Rad’s Unity™ Interlaboratory Program. UnityWeb™ now directly displays laboratory and worldwide interlaboratory reports in PDF format as well as on-demand from InstantQC™. A new WebConnect™ connectivity solution allows you to upload QC data directly from a LIS and/or instrument into Unity™. Bio-Rad’s Unity™ Interlaboratory Program helps laboratories meet CLIA, CLSI (formerly NCCLS), and ISO 15189 recommendations by participating in a quality-control interlaboratory peer-comparison program. Unity™ provides the most comprehensive set of QC peer reports comparing participating laboratories to the largest peer groups in the industry.

Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc
(800) 2-BIORAD; www.bio-rad.com


Multichannel Verification System
Uses ratiometric photometry technology
Fast, accurate, reproducible, and traceable calibration of automated liquid handlers is essential to test accuracy and productivity in clinical labs. Artel’s new MVS® Multichannel Verification System—Advanced has been deployed extensively in research and diagnostic testing laboratories that are concerned with the quality of test results produced using automated liquid-delivery devices. MVS is being introduced to the clinical market where companies like Celera Diagnostics, Genomic Health, Medarex, and Ortho have deployed the technology to ensure accurate testing procedures. MVS uses ARTEL’s patented ratiometric photometry technology to quickly and accurately determine the dispensed volumes in 96-well and 384-well micro titer plates. MVS works with 1-, 2-, 4-, 8-, 12-, 96-, or 384-channel liquid-delivery devices and for volumes ranging from .03 µL to 200 µL. MVS is particularly valuable for clinical testing laboratories where fast, easy-to-use, NIST-traceable quality control is essential. Both MVS Standard and MVS Advanced come with full installation, training, and on-site support services. MVS Advanced also includes the ability to test with nonaqueous-based reagents including DMSO, serum, and Glycerol.

ARTEL
(888) 406-3463; www.artel.com


Test For Tumor Measurement
Associated with the antigen for pancreatic cancer
The Roche Elecsys® CA 19-9 test is for the quantitative measurement of the tumor associated antigen for pancreatic cancer.  This test will aid physicians in monitoring patients who are receiving treatment for cancers of the exocrine pancreas. The Roche Elecsys CA 19-9 test provides a broad measuring range, giving physicians confidence in patients’ results.  The measuring range of the Elecsys CA 19-9 test (0.600 – 1000 U/mL), combined with the high precision of the test can help provide more reliable information to physicians, and can be used to monitor the patient’s therapeutic response. This test broadens Roche Diagnostics’ growing tumor marker portfolio that includes prostate specific antigen, free prostate specific antigen; Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP); carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA-15-3 which monitors treatment of breast cancer and recurrences; CA-125 which monitors the treatment of ovarian cancer; and the Elecsys PreciControl Tumor Marker solution.  This assay can be used on the Roche Elecsys® 1010 and Elecsys® 2010 systems, and the MODULAR ANALYTICS E 170 module.  

Roche Diagnostics
(800) 428-5074; www.roche-diagnostics.us


Enterovirus Reagent
Employs newly patented hybridization technology
Nanogen Inc has released the MGB Alert™ ENV real-time PCR reagent, designed to detect sequences associated with enteroviruses. Prevalent in summer and fall, enterovirus infections cause a wide spectrum of diseases and are the most common cause of aseptic meningitis. Nanogen’s MGB Alert Enterovirus analyte-specific reagent (ASR), like all MGB Alert products, uses novel detection chemistry claimed in US Patent 7,045,610, issued to Nanogen May 16. The ’610 patent, “Modified Oligonucleotides for Mismatch Discrimination,” claims the use of modified bases to improve hybridization-based diagnostic assays. The patented chemistry is employed in most of the company’s ASRs and research products, enabling laboratories to develop multiple assays with universal parameters, which increases the efficiency and throughput of clinical testing. The super bases (Super A™, Super T™, Super G™, and Super N™) and MGB technology described in ’610 allow the use of shorter probes with increased sensitivity to mismatches, which have proved essential for detecting short conserved sequences of enteroviruses as well as other pathogens.

Nanogen Inc
(877) 626-6436; www.nanogen.com


Permanent Storage Appliance
Keeps data archives online and active for decades
PowerFile Inc has unveiled the Permanent Storage Appliance™, a network-attached storage system that uses a patented, highly scalable DVD-based subsystem with the capability to store files online for many years. Permanent storage is a necessity for those who require the reliability, accessibility, and protection of long-term fixed content. For organizations with large and long-term data-storage requirements such as financial, government, legal, and medical industries, failure to both safeguard records and retrieve them in a timely fashion could result in fines and penalties. Whereas traditional archives are stored offline and off-site on tape, which is equivalent to banishing the data, the Permanent Storage Appliance allows enterprises to quickly access stored data as any other network volume online.

Powerfile’s one-of-a-kind archiving solution provides a new and innovative approach to long-term, unalterable data that enables both online access and long-term storage. The Permanent Storage Appliance overcomes the challenges presented by DVD in the enterprise by completely virtualizing a massive array of disks behind a network attached front end so nothing unique needs to be administered, managed or learned. The Permanent Storage Appliance is comprised of a 2U, rack-mountable network attached server and up to 18 DVD-based robotic libraries, making it ideal for long-term storage and regulatory compliance in organizations of all sizes. A single system supports up to 12 500-GB SATA disk drives, providing up to 6 TB of high-performance cache and up to 30.6 TB of usable archive capacity. The system comes pre-configured with powerful storage-management software that virtualizes the DVD subsystem into storage volumes in any required increments. Hot-swappable, redundant components allow for high availability and increased reliability, while the modular design enhances field serviceability. The Permanent Storage Appliance is powered by Microsoft Windows Storage Server 2003 for seamless integration with existing infrastructures. The DVD libraries bundled with the Permanent Storage Appliance can archive terabytes of critical data on industry-standard DVD media that can be read by any standard DVD drive. Archive-quality DVD media has been proven by the National Institute of Standards and Technology to have an expected life span of more than 50 years. In contrast, current disk-based and tape-based methods are susceptible to mechanical failure and require costly data migration every 3 to 5 years.

PowerFile Inc
(866) 838-3669; www.powerfile.com


Centrifuge Systems
Available in ventilated and refrigerated versions
Thermo Electron Corp has introduced its IEC CL Series, a family of centrifuges for clinical and research labs that is available in both ventilated and refrigerated versions. Consisting of nine models with capacities ranging from 0.5 to 3 L, Thermo’s IEC CL Series leverages Thermo’s 105-year history with the IEC centrifuge product line to deliver a full line of compact, user-friendly centrifuges designed to meet the performance and price needs of clinical and research laboratory personnel who perform protocols such as body-fluid separation, microplate and microvolume processing, and cell culture. With the new IEC CL Series, Thermo has introduced unique, innovative features that make operation easy while enhancing operator safety and confidence. The Auto-Lock® rotor-exchange system on the CL30 and CL31 models enables secure rotor changes within 5 seconds, making it fast, safe, and convenient for users to switch between protocols requiring different sample formats. A broad range of safe, bio-contained accessories protects users by ensuring that hazardous materials are properly contained. Quick-recall keys on the control panel provide instant access to users’ most frequently used protocols. Bright, easy-to-read digital displays enable continuous monitoring of the run, even from across the lab.

Thermo Corp
(508) 482-7000; www.thermo.com


Transfection Reagent
Optimized for primary human endothelial cells
A powerful cationic polyethylenimine (PEI)-derived transfection reagent optimized for the delivery of genes to fragile primary cells, such as human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and vascular endothelial cells of various origins, is available from Polyplus-transfection. As efficient as electroportation, jetPEI™-HUVEC transfection reagent has demonstrated transfection efficiencies as high as 50% with very little cytotoxicity. jetPEI™-HUVEC has been shown to be most efficient when cells are in low serum concentrations, with gene expression reaching a maximum for HUVEC cells incubated for 4 hours in medium containing 2% serum. The reagent’s transfection efficiency compares favorably to other available nonviral transfection reagents and delivers genes without toxic and stressful cell permeabilization.

Polyplus-transfection
(760) 481-4918; www.polyplus-transfection.com


Large-Capacity Benchtop Cooler
Keeps samples cool for hours
Users can add ice or create a cooling slurry in this ice bucket used to keep samples cool for hours. The rigid polyurethane body is inert to methanol, liquid nitrogen, dry ice, and salt; and will not rust, leak, or sweat. The lightweight cooler has a 4.3-L (145-ounce) capacity within a small footprint to save valuable benchtop space. The inset cover has a recessed pickup knob in the center to allow stacking even when full. The tapered shape allows nesting for easy storage of multiple units.

Bel-Art Products Inc
(973) 694-0500; www.belart.com


High-Throughput Protein Assay
Robotic compatible
SPN™-htp protein assay is rapid, suitable for as little as 0.5 µg of protein, and is resistant to interference from common laboratory agents, such as @% SDS. The protein assay is based on the quantitative capture of protein to a proprietary matrix in a 96-well format. The bound protein is treated with a protein-specific dye that associated proportionally with the protein. The protein-bound dye is eluted and measured to determine protein concentration. For increased efficiency, each assay is supplied with its own reference data for rapid calculation of the protein concentration without a need for a set of protein standards. The assay can be performed with or without a need for a set of protein standards and shows a linear response between 0.5 to 10 µg of protein. (Patents are pending.)

G-Biosciences
(314) 991-6034; www.gbiosciences.com


Single-Use Safety Lancet
Designed for ease of use, comfort, and safety
With innovative comfort zone technology and safety features, the Unistik 3 single-use safety lancet from Owen Mumford is designed to provide patient comfort and health care worker safety. Patented comfort zone technology is a pain-masking feature that provides a comfortable level of stimulation to the sample site, disguising the pain of lancing. Previously available only on the Autolet Impression lancing device, comfort zone technology works by using the central nervous system to communicate messages from the nerve endings to the brain. When pressed against the sample site, a series of eight raised dots on the platform stimulate the nerve endings. This sends a powerful message of comfort to the brain—masking the weaker pain stimulus from the lancet. Unistik 3 is preset and does not require any cocking procedure. The needle point is hidden before use and automatically retracts after use to avoid accidental needle-stick injuries and cross infection. After Unistik 3 has been used, it is rendered inoperable, providing the highest level of safety for health care professionals and patients. Should any reuse be attempted, Unistik 3 has an additional visual lockout feature that clearly indicates that the device has been used and is ready for disposal in a suitable sharps container. Unistik 3 single-use lancing devices are available in needle gauges of 28G (Comfort), 23G (Normal), 21G (Extra), and 18G (Dual); and reduced puncture depths of 1.8 and 2.0 mm, while providing equivalent blood-flow volumes. With the combination of needle grinding and electropolishing techniques, less depth is necessary. Unistik 3 is packaged in boxes of 100, 200, and bulk. In addition, boxes of 25 and 50 will be available for Comfort and Normal.

Owen Mumford Inc
(770) 977-2226; www.owenmumfordinc.com


ESR Rack
Provides results in 30 minutes

Streck has released a manual rack for the measurement of erythocyte sedimentation rate. The ESR-10 Manual Rack uses ESR-Vacuum Tubes™, a direct-draw blood-collection tube that does not require an additional transfer step prior to analysis. ESR results are available in 30 minutes versus the standard 60-minute Modified Westergren method. The manual rack completes Streck’s line of ESR products, which includes the ESR-Auto Plus™ and ESR-100™ analyzers, blood collection tubes, and ESR-Chex controls. The ESR-10 provides customers with an additional option for sed-rate testing. An ESR-10 starter kit includes the ESR-10 manual rack, a 30-minute measuring scale, package insert, and three boxes of 1.2-mL ESR-Vacuum tubes. Streck ESR-Vacuum tubes offer a stability feature, which allows technologists to collect patient specimens and store them for up to 72 hours at refrigerated temperatures without compromising the integrity of the sample. This extended stability is especially useful for facilities transporting patient samples to a centralized location for analysis.

Streck
(800) 843-0912; www.streck.com


Online Stain and Dye Information-Retrieval Application
Features an intuitive navigation interface
Sigma-Aldrich has launched a new Web-based application developed to assist customers with the retrieval of stain and dye information. Located on the Sigma-Aldrich hematology and histology Web page, the Stain Expert provides an intuitive interface for navigating staining procedures, catalog information, product specifications, material safety data sheets, certificates of analysis, and technical bulletins. A flash platform guides customers through a wide range of staining procedures while reducing the complexity of multistep processes. Reagent preparation and staining results are extensively covered, and the integration of the Sigma-Aldrich web search engine with recommended chemicals ensures that customers can quickly and easily find what they’re looking for. “This application provides an engaging and innovative user experience for retrieving stain-related content and offers a dynamic online experience worth returning to,” says Mark Frei, technical marketing specialist for Sigma-Aldrich.

Sigma-Aldrich Corp
(800) 521-5052; www.sigma-aldrich.com


Blood Gas Connectivity Solution
For the secured management of data
Bayer HealthCare has launched RAPIDComm™ a next-generation blood gas data-management and connectivity software solution. With RAPIDComm’s flexibility, real-time data collection, and control of remote and local analyzers, physicians can easily and effectively manage blood gas data in a secured environment—allowing them more time to focus on improving patient care. RAPIDComm documents, controls, and organizes information, enabling institutions to upgrade their quality-assurance levels to the most demanding levels. The RAPIDComm software solution can be fully integrated into health care institutions through multiple and widely accepted communication interfaces. Bayer’s Rapidlab® 1200, RapidLab 800, and Rapidpoint® 400 blood gas analyzers can be interfaced directly to RAPIDComm without the need for an additional workstation. The RAPIDComm software solution is available in English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, and Japanese.

Bayer HealthCare
(914) 631-8000; www.bayerdiag.com