Microplate Storage
Holds up to 728 microplates
Designed to address the high-throughput needs of pharmaceutical and biotechnology laboratories, the Thermo Scientific Cytomat SkyLine microplate storage and sequential delivery device from Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, Mass, can hold up to 728 microplates or lids in 14 stackers. Providing plate access in under 12 seconds, its built-in plate sequencer is designed to allow for the safe separation and precise centering of labware for optimal transfer placement. Following use, plates can be loaded back into the system and stored at ambient conditions, eliminating the need for any additional storage. For research use only.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
(866) 356-0354; www.thermofisher.com
HbA1C Analyzer
Delivers results in 90 seconds
The Adams A1c HA-8180V from Arkray USA, Minneapolis, Minn, is a fully automated analyzer that utilizes high-performance liquid chromatography technology to perform HbA1C testing. The analyzer eliminates interference from the most common hemoglobin variants, and has the highest precision claims on the market (CV ?1%), providing clinicians with confidence in results at critical decisionmaking levels to diagnose and treat diabetes. Continuous sampling enables users to load racks and walk away. Users can load up to 100 samples at a time, and automatic onboard sample mixing ensures each sample is thoroughly mixed. Test results are generated in 90 seconds.
Arkray USA
(800) 818-8877; www.arkrayusa.com
Multiplex Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry System
Features automated carryover detection
The MPX 2.0 high-throughput system from Sciex, Framingham, Mass, takes advantage of the downtime between injections from a user’s liquid chromatography (LC) system and multiplexes two LC systems into one mass spectrometry system, doubling throughput. The system works to reduce carryover, and highlights samples that may need retesting, decreasing sample analysis time. Users can stay compliant with complete traceability and audit trails, and maximize uptime with real-time system monitoring.
Sciex
(877) 740-2129; sciex.com
Fully Automated Testing System
Enables random access sample processing
The Panther system is a fully automated testing platform from Hologic, Marlborough, Mass, with true sample-to-result automation, adaptable workflow options, and a consolidated testing menu. Reagents may be reused or removed as needed, reducing waste, while controls and calibrators only need to be run every 24 hours. Users can load samples in any order without batch constraints. The system also processes multiple assays from one patient sample to decrease turnaround time and minimize labor. The Aptima assay menu on the Panther system includes testing for sexually transmitted infections, virology, and women’s health on a single, integrated instrument.
Hologic
(508) 263-2900; www.hologic.com
Clinical Chemistry Analyzer
Performs up to 560 tests per hour
The RX Imola from Randox Laboratories, Crumlin, UK, is designed to deliver consistent high-quality results, and is capable of performing up to 560 tests per hour, including ion selective electrode tests. The extensive dedicated RX series test menu allows laboratories to expand their testing capabilities and reduces the additional costs of sending samples out to be tested externally. Stat sampling functionality permits samples to be analyzed quickly and easily at any time. The cooled reagent carousel offers 60 onboard positions without compromising reagent stability.
Randox Laboratories
(866) 472-6369; www.randox.com
Liquid Handling System
Automates library preparation
The next-generation sequencing (NGS) Star liquid handling system from Hamilton Robotics, Reno, Nev, automates library preparation for Illumina’s TruSight Tumor 170 next-generation assay, which tests for 170 genes associated with common solid tumors. The NGS Star prepares the DNA and RNA libraries in parallel with an integrated workflow following DNA shearing, cDNA synthesis, and processing of up to 16 RNA plus 16 DNA libraries in a single run. The method is configured with an interactive run settings dialog that allows the user to start and stop at any sample safe storage point. A graphical user interface guides the user in correct deck setup.
Hamilton Robotics
(775) 858-3000; www.hamiltoncompany.com
Anti-Müllerian Hormone Immunoassay
Helps assess ovarian reserves
The FDA-cleared Access anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) assay from Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, Brea, Calif, is an automated immunoassay that aids healthcare providers in the assessment of a woman’s ovarian reserve, and helps guide the clinical management of women struggling with infertility or planning to become pregnant later in life. Beckman Coulter’s AMH antibody is used in all automated AMH assays available in the United States, and the company controls exclusive rights to AMH antibodies for Müllerian-inhibiting substance levels and ovarian response. The Access AMH assay is a paramagnetic particle chemiluminescent immunoassay for the quantitative determination of AMH levels.
Beckman Coulter
(800) 526-3821; www.beckmancoulter.com
Molecular Testing Systems
Requires no presorting
The Cobas 6800 and Cobas 8800 systems from Roche, Basel, Switzerland, are fully integrated, automated solutions for routine molecular testing in the areas of donor screening, microbiology, viral load monitoring, and women’s health. Based on polymerase chain reaction technology, the systems provide up to 96 results in less than 3.5 hours, and a total of 384 results for the Cobas 6800 system and 960 results for the Cobas 8800 system in an 8-hour shift. Both make it possible for labs to perform up to three tests in the same run with no presorting required. The current test menu includes virology assays for cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B and C, and human immunodeficiency virus.
Roche
(317) 521-2000; www.roche.com
Clinical Chemistry Floor Model Analyzer
Designed for large-volume laboratories
MedTest, Canton, MI, has introduced the BA-800M chemistry analyzer, which produces 800 photometric test results per hour, with an overall throughput of 1,200 tests per hour with ion-selective electrode tests. The sample delivery module provides a sample capacity of 440 positions, providing large-volume laboratories hours of unmanned operational time. The system’s reagent consumption design minimizes reagent usage per test and reduces the reagent bottle dead volume. Advanced features include continuous reagent loading, one-key stat touch button, probe liquid level detection, reagent bubble detection, sample probe clot and collision recovery, and water quality monitor.
MedTest
(800) 445-9853; www.medtest800.com
Urine Culture App
Determines growth on urine culture plates
The BD Kiestra urine culture app, together with BD BBL plated media, from BD, Franklin Lakes, NJ, uses digital imaging and software algorithms to determine the amount of growth on a urine culture plate from clean caught and catheterized samples. Using the BD Kiestra ReadA compact’s intelligent incubation and imaging device with high-throughput robotics to perform time series imaging, plates with no significant growth can be automatically released for disposal and the results reported to the customer’s compatible laboratory information system. Plates with significant growth automatically go into a queue for clinician analysis.
BD
(201) 847-6800; bd.com
Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Kits
Offer alternative to polymerase chain reaction
TwistDx, Cambridge, UK, has launched a line of liquid-format recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) kits that are suited for rapid testing applications and high-throughput laboratory use. The isothermal DNA/RNA amplification technology represents a versatile solution for nucleic acid detection, offering the same specificity as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) but with results typically available in 3 to10 minutes. The liquid kits are designed to simplify integration of RPA technology into existing laboratory workflows, offering a fast and user-friendly alternative to PCR—potentially using the same primers—without the need for a thermocycler.
TwistDx
www.twistdx.co.uk
