Rapid Pathogen Identification System
Delivers results in 30 minutes
Miacom Diagnostics GmbH, Düsseldorf, Germany, has entered into the next phase of its alliance with MetaSystems, Altlussheim, Germany, with the operation of a Metafer rapid pathogen identification system in the department of medical microbiology at Heinrich Heine University. After successful adaptation of the Miacom FDA- and CE-cleared direct multiplex imaging assays for the automated rapid pathogen identification system, the company has now started collecting extensive clinical data from all positive blood cultures and sputum samples. Quantitative results of bacteria in samples are delivered in just 30 minutes directly from the sample, without the need for prior amplification.
Miacom Diagnostics
(919) 808-2230; www.miacom-diagnostics.com
Tissue Block Management System
Facilitates pathology workflow
The Thermo Scientific Syntri Arcos tissue block archiving system from Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, Mass, enables reporting and tracking functions to track productivity and volume diversity of cases. Whether the patient sample is sent out for a second opinion or pulled out of archiving for additional testing, the device is able to keep an accurate record of where the tissue block is at all times. The system automatically reads the bar codes on the blocks and records where each tray is stored, without the need to manually sort the blocks into numerical sequence.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
(800) 678-5599; www.thermofisher.com
Cancer Diagnostic
Detects MCM5 protein
Arquer Diagnostics Ltd, Sunderland, UK, has signed a collaboration agreement with the University of Sunderland. The partnership aims to investigate noninvasive specimen preparation techniques that will facilitate the use of Arquer’s minichromosome maintenance complex component 5 (MCM5) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to diagnose a wider range of cancers. The simple, noninvasive test has been developed to accurately diagnose both bladder and prostate cancer. The test uses urine specimens and works by detecting the presence of MCM5 protein, a marker for the presence of dividing cancer cells.
Arquer Diagnostics
www.arquerdx.com/contact-us; www.arquerdx.com
TB Treatment Efficacy Test
Tracks bacterial location in real time
Jeffrey Cirillo, PhD, professor at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, and his team have developed a method of detecting whether a potential treatment for M. tuberculosis is working as early as 1 day after it is given. The team has developed fluorescent protein (FP) expressing Mycobacterium bovis BCG strains for in vivo imaging, which can be used to track bacterial location. The technique has the potential to accelerate TB research, particularly for analysis of novel therapies and during vaccine development.
Texas A&M College of Medicine
(979) 436-0200; medicine.tamhsc.edu
Rapid Diagnostic Test Device
Developed for HIV self-testing
Atomo Diagnostics, Leichhardt, Australia, has received a $2.6 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop a next-generation HIV self-test. With this new grant funding, Atomo will develop a rapid diagnostic test device designed specifically to address the needs of millions of self-test users in low- and middle-income countries. A key component of the program will be engaging with public and private sector partners in developing countries to support commercial launch in key markets with significant HIV burdens.
Atomo Diagnostics
[email protected]; atomodiagnostics.com
Blood-Based Assay
Targets cardiovascular disease
CardiNor, Oslo, Norway, aims to develop a blood-based assay for secretoneurin, whose elevated levels in patients with acute respiratory failure and in critically ill patients with infection are linked to increased cardiovascular mortality. The neuropeptide may provide complementary prognostic information to established risk indices in critically ill patients with infections, and seems to have potential as a prognostic biomarker across different populations with myocardial dysfunction. Inven2, Oslo, Norway, is the company’s leading investor.
CardiNor
[email protected]; www.inven2.com
Diabetic Biomarker Test
For specialized glycemic monitoring
EKF Diagnostics, Cardiff, UK, recently announced that its newly introduced Glycated Serum Protein (GSP) LiquiColor diabetic biomarker test has been verified for use on the Siemens Vista chemistry analyzer. A study has demonstrated that EKF’s GSP assay enhances the versatility of the Vista system for specialized glycemic monitoring of diabetics with hemoglobinopathies, or conditions that affect red blood cell lifespan. As a 2–3 week indicator of average blood glucose unaffected by RBC half-life, GSP closes the information gap between daily blood glucose and HbA1c testing.
EKF Diagnostics
(800) 531-5535; www.ekfdiagnostics.com
Zika Panel and Controls
Uses digital PCR
Exact Diagnostics, Fort Worth, Tex, has launched the Zika verification panel and Zika low and high run controls. The panel and controls are value assigned using digital polymerase chain reaction, resulting in quantified values for Zika virus. The panel consists of five panel members, ranging from 100 copies per milliliter to 1 million copies per milliliter. The products were created using the Zika strain PRVABC59, and are formulated using the company’s ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid plasma.
Exact Diagnostics
(817) 989-9262; www.exactdiagnostics.com
IED Detection Method
Highlights vitamin B12 in blood
A technique for detecting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) is being used to identify vitamins in the bloodstream linked to dementia. Researchers from the University of Adelaide in South Australia developed the IED detection method, which uses light intensity to determine the presence of explosive residue. The same method is now being used to highlight vitamin B12 in diluted human blood. The new detection technique uses optical fiber and a laser to collect the signature of certain molecules. The optical measurement only takes about 30 seconds after blood preparation.
University of Adelaide
[email protected]; adelaide.edu.au
Molecular Infectious Disease Quality Controls
Monitor nucleic acid testing procedures
The demand for more accurate assays and faster turnaround times has spurred the use of nucleic acid testing procedures for infectious disease testing. Amplichek multianalyte quality controls from Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, Calif, monitor the performance of in vitro laboratory nucleic acid testing procedures, providing an independent and unbiased assessment. Users can gain confidence in assay performance by monitoring the test process, including extraction, amplification, and detection.
Bio-Rad Laboratories
(800) 224-6723; www.qcnet.com/molecular
February/March 2017 Product Spotlight: Emerging Technologies, Part 1
