During the annual meeting of the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC), vendors will have the opportunity to showcase their latest products. Here is a sampling of technologies that will be featured in the exhibit hall.
Molecular Quality Control
Monitors the performance of STI tests
Amplichek STI from Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, Calif, is a multianalyte, unassayed molecular quality control designed to monitor the performance of nucleic acid testing procedures for detection of the most commonly tested pathogens responsible for sexually transmitted infection (STIs): Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhea, and high-risk strains of human papillomavirus. This liquid, ready-to-use product, available in both positive and negative levels, is designed to give laboratories greater confidence in their assay performance by monitoring the analytical process, including nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and detection.
Bio-Rad Laboratories
(800) 224-6723;Â www.qcnet.com/molecular
Fully Automated Analyzer
For erythrocyte sedimentation rate testing
The iSed analyzer from Alcor Scientific, Smithfield, RI, is a fully automated erythrocyte sedimentation rate analyzer that is capable of analyzing samples in 20 seconds, using 100 µl of blood directly from the primary ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid collection tube. The 20-position iSed has a continuous, random-access feed and is also compatible with BD Microtainer microtubes for automated processing without any additional sample manipulation, making it suitable for pediatric testing and avoiding ‘quantity not sufficient’ issues. No batching, pipetting, sample splitting, or duplicate primary tubes are necessary. The analyzer interfaces with any laboratory information system and measures 14.3 x 10.5 x 13.4 inches.
Alcor Scientific
(800) 495-5270;Â www.alcorscientific.com
ELISA Kit
Detects GAD, IA-2, and ZnT8
Kronus, Star, ID, offers a three-screen islet cell autoantibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The ELISA kit enables the simultaneous and nondifferential detection of glutamic acid decarboxylase, islet antigen 2, and zinc transporter 8 autoantibodies in a simple, robust assay format. The assay is well suited to all volumes of testing, including high-throughput screening. The kit makes use of the ability of the autoantibodies to act divalently and form a bridge between the antigens coated on the ELISA plate wells and the three-screen biotin. Once this bridge is formed, streptavidin peroxidase attached to the colorogenic substrate is bound. For research use only.
Kronus
(800) 457-6687; www.kronus.com
Cleanroom Coverall
Made with lightweight fabric
The Kimtech Pure A8 cleanroom coverall from Kimberly-Clark Professional, Roswell, Ga, is designed to provide protection as well as comfort to increase productivity and reduce the risk of human errors. Suitable for ISO 7/Grade C and ISO 8/Grade D cleanrooms, the coverall features a lightweight fabric that moves with the worker, built-in thumb loops, and a high neck collar to control contamination risk. The garment is recyclable through the company’s RightCycle program.
Kimberly-Clark Professional
(800) 241-3146; www.kimtech.com
Centrifuge Tubes
Designed with easy-grip caps
Diamond Max high-speed centrifuge tubes from Globe Scientific, Paramus, NJ, support high spin rates with maximum relative centrifugal force ratings of up to 20,000 xg. Premium grade materials, such as US Pharmacopeial Convention Class VI resins, and an automated manufacturing process provide performance and savings to users. Easy-grip caps have an integral seal ring design for secure closures that eliminate seepage when used as recommended. Clear tubes feature a bright white marking space, have black printed graduation marks to fill volumes of 15 ml or 50 ml, and are packaged in heavy-duty, zip reclosable bags. Paperboard racks are readily recyclable.
Globe Scientific
(201) 599-1400; www.globescientific.com
NEFA Assay
Specific to free fatty acids
The Wako NEFA assay from Wako Diagnostics, Richmond, Va, is designed to detect a variety of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs). The test is specific to free fatty acids with minimal interferences from other related compounds and such serum components as ascorbic acid, bilirubin, and hemoglobin. The need for an extraction step has been eliminated. The company’s enzymatic method relies upon the acylation of coenzyme A and ultimately results in a purple-colored product that can be measured colorimetrically at 550 nm.
Wako Diagnostics
(877) 714-1924; www.wakodiagnostics.com
Linearity and Calibration Verification Test Kit
Documents iron binding capacity
LGC Maine Standards, Cumberland Foreside, Maine, has released the Validate iron binding capacity (IBC) linearity and calibration verification kit. Available in a human serum matrix, the kit evaluates total iron binding capacity and unsaturated iron binding capacity. Each Validate IBC kit is liquid, ready to use, and offers five distinct concentrations covering the reportable range of most chemistry analyzers. Users dispense the product from each dropper bottle, directly into five sample cups, and run in replicates.
LGC Maine Standards
(800) 377-9684; www.mainestandards.com
Automated Assay
Determines HDL3-C
Randox HDL3-C from Randox Laboratories, Crumlin, UK, is an automated assay for the quantitative determination of high-density lipoprotein subfraction 3-C (HDL3-C) in human serum or plasma. The liquid, ready-to-use assay is available on most automated biochemistry analyzers, and uses a two-step procedure based on patented technology from Denka Seiken, Tokyo. The assay has an open-vial stability of 28 days when stored at 2–8°C, and a measuring range of 4–60 mg/dl. The assay allows for quantification of subfraction HDL2-C by subtracting the detected amount of HDL3-C from total HDL-C. For research use only.
Randox Laboratories
(866) 472-6369; www.randox.com
Stat Centrifuge
Holds six tubes
The Dash Apex 6 from Drucker Diagnostics, Port Matilda, Pa, is designed from the ground up for stat processing. When used with the Drucker Dash approach to centrifugation, which uses a centrifuge array to eliminate queuing, the instrument can cut turnaround time by up to 20 minutes. The device can hold six tubes of up to 10 ml and spin them in horizontal centrifugation at a maximum of 5,500 RPM or 4,000 xg RCF. The unit offers three preset cycles and requires just one square foot of space.
Drucker Diagnostics
(877) 231-3115; www.druckerdiagnostics.com
Drug Monitoring Assay Portfolio
Includes ready-to-use reagents
The ImmunoGuide product line from Immuno-Biological Laboratories Inc, Minneapolis, Minn, features enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays measuring free drug, free antibodies against drug, or total antibodies (both free and drug-bound). Designed for high sensitivity and specificity, the kits enable the precise measurement of monoclonal antibodies. Featuring ready-to-use reagents and short run times, the kits enable monitoring of adalimumab, infliximab, and trastuzumab, among others. To avoid a potential false positive result, confirmatory reagents are available upon request for any antidrug assay.. For research use only.
Immuno-Biological Laboratories
(888) 523-1246; www.ibl-america.com
Laboratory Software Suite
Designed for small and large labs
Seacoast Laboratory Data Systems Inc, Portsmouth, NH, offers the SurroundLab Plus laboratory information system (LIS) and SurroundLab AR laboratory billing system. The LIS facilitates rapid throughput and interfaces with instrumentation and external applications. It also includes multiple options for report distribution, including fax, print, Web, and quality reporting according to the document architecture approved by Health Level Seven International. The billing system features front-end data entry rules that produce clean claims and comprehensive management reports. Furthermore, the system offers online options to manage patient and client payments.
Seacoast Laboratory Data Systems
(603) 431-4114; www.sldsi.com
Monoclonal Antibody and Antigen Portfolio
Used in clinical testing for hepatitis
The Binding Site Inc, San Diego, has launched a portfolio of monoclonal antibodies and recombinant antigens for use in clinical testing for hepatitis A, B, C, and D. The antigens are derived and sourced from E. coli, via culture, while the monoclonal antibodies are all sourced from mice and manufactured to a purity level of >95%. In addition, both the antigens and antibodies are supplied preservative-free, demonstrate lot-to-lot consistency, and feature shelf-life stability of 4 years from the date of manufacture.
The Binding Site
(800) 633-4484; www.bindingsite.com
Middleware
Designed for microbiology labs
Technidata, Montbonnot, France, has launched its next generation of TDBactiLink, a paperless middleware system for microbiology laboratories. The cost-effective middleware is designed to enable microbiology laboratories to make the most of technological advances and paperless organization while maintaining existing laboratory information systems (LIS). Providing functionalities that align with the unique needs of microbiology labs, middleware features include analytical processes managed by a workflow designer, customizable protocols, traceability for CAP/ISO 15189 requirements, and customizable epidemiology and alerting. The system enables rich interfacing with any LIS as well as microbiology instruments, including mass spectrometry and laboratory automation systems.
Technidata
(514) 270-7777; www.technidata-web.com
Blood Cell Washer
Features 3-minute run
The Thermo Scientific CW3 cell washer from Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, Mass, is an automated, high-performance cell washer that has been specifically designed to enable precise, thorough, reproducible, and rapid blood cell washing of up to 24 tubes in a 3-minute run. Users can select one of the preset programs that have been designed to run in automatic mode, accelerate blood cell washing cycles, and achieve time savings. The cell washer has been designed to achieve optimal corpuscle dryness by allowing users to preset the desired decanting speed. The device features an automatic alert mechanism that informs users about low or disrupted saline levels and when a run is complete.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
(800) 556-2323; www.thermofisher.com