High-Luminosity LED Microscope
Offers consistent color temperature
With an LED illuminator equivalent to a 100-watt halogen lamp, the Olympus BX53 microscope from Olympus Corp, Waltham, Mass, delivers a brightness level that is suited for multihead teaching systems. The high-luminosity LED illuminator enables users to see the purple, cyan, and pink dyes that are commonly used in life science applications. Its consistent color temperature also helps speed up the observation workflow by eliminating time wasted adjusting a color filter. The microscope is fully customizable, with modular units that enable different types of observations.
Olympus
(484) 896-5000; www.olympus-lifescience.com
Parasite Screening Test
Detects pathogenic E. histolytica
Techlab, Blacksburg, Va, has received FDA premarket notification (510(k)) clearance for its E. Histolytica Quik Chek test. The rapid diagnostic test specifically detects pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica in fecal samples and does not crossreact with nonpathogenic E. dispar. It targets an adhesin protein unique to E. histolytica and can be used for quick and reliable diagnosis of amebiasis. The test can also be paired with the company’s Giardia/Cryptosporidium Quik Chek test to provide a complete triple parasite screen.
Techlab
(800) 832-4522; www.techlab.com
Web Report Dashboard
Includes more than 50 reports
A web report dashboard for the SurroundLab AR laboratory billing system from Seacoast Laboratory Data Systems Inc, Portsmouth, NH, is a full-color web access point that enables laboratories to stay abreast of their financial health. Users can enjoy a 360° view of their data while in the office or on the road. Additional tools include graphing and data export. The dashboard is equipped with more than 50 standard reports.
Seacoast Laboratory Data Systems
(603) 431-4114; www.sldsi.com
Influenza A and B Assay
Used with a POC immunoassay analyzer
Quidel Corp, San Diego, has received FDA premarket notification (510(k)) clearance and waived status under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) for its Sofia influenza A+B fluorescent immunoassay. The assay is to be used with the company’s Sofia 2 fluorescent immunoassay analyzer for the rapid differential detection of influenza types A and B. Samples are taken from direct nasal swab, nasopharyngeal swab, and nasopharyngeal aspirate/wash specimens and nasopharyngeal swab and nasopharyngeal aspirate/wash specimens in transport media from symptomatic patients. The Sofia 2 analyzer utilizes the original Sofia’s fluorescent chemistry design while improving upon the graphical user interface and optics system to provide an automated and objective result in as little as 3 minutes.
Quidel
(800) 874-1517; www.quidel.com
Bacterial Cultivation Instrument
Redesigned with smaller footprint
The Advanced Anoxomat III from Advanced Instruments, Norwood, Mass, assists microbiologists in isolating bacteria, which is critical to the analysis and identi?cation of pathogens. The system can create reliable anaerobic, microaerophilic, or capnophilic environments within 5 minutes. The instrument has been redesigned with a smaller footprint that accommodates laboratories’ tight bench space. Its anaerobic jars have been reengineered to provide easy-to-secure closure and a compact design that maximizes incubator space. When gas chambers and gas packs are replaced with the Anoxomat system, a single technician can use just one process protocol for any bacterial cultivation.
Advanced Instruments
(800) 225-4034; www.aicompanies.com
CMV Molecular Test
Boasts dual target design
The RealTime CMV molecular test from Abbott, Abbott Park, Ill, has received FDA approval and is now available in the United States. With a dual target design, the cytomegalovirus (CMV) test has the ability to amplify two select regions of the CMV genome, which helps reduce the risk of underquantitation or failure to detect the virus. The test uses polymerase chain reaction technology and is designed for use on Abbott’s m2000 RealTime molecular diagnostics system. The test is for use as an aid in the management of hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients undergoing treatment for CMV infections.
Abbott
(224) 667-6100; www.molecular.abbott
Digital Printing Service
Allows for customization
LabForms, Irvine, Calif, now offers a print-on-demand service that enables digital printing of test requisitions with customization options. Customers can sign up to have access to ordering their forms around the clock. A variety of standard labels are in stock for quick turnaround time. Single set forms, glued at the top using two-, three-, and four-part forms, are available. Customers can also print small quantities with customized provider information, with a minimum quantity of 50 sets. The company’s printing facility is located in Kansas for convenient nationwide shipping.
LabForms
(888) 200-5114; www.labforms.com
Packaged, Barcoded Chemistry Reagents
Specifically manufactured for the BioLis 24i analyzer
MedTest, Canton, Mich, introduces the worldwide launch of another of its ‘system specific’ chemistry reagent lines, now for the BioLis 24i chemistry analyzer (also known as the CLC480 or MGC 240 chemistry analyzer). The new line of chemistry reagents is specifically manufactured and packaged in barcoded reagent containers, allowing for easy application on the analyzer. The reagents are liquid stable and have been shown to be accurate and precise. The menu consists of 31 general chemistry assays, calibrators, controls, and standards. MedTest provides validated applications and technical support.
MedTest
(800) 445-9853; www.pointescientific.com/24ireagents
NGS-Based Test
Simultaneously evaluates 23 genes
FDA has granted premarket approval to Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, Mass, for the first next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based test that simultaneously screens tumor samples for biomarkers associated with three FDA-approved therapies for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The Oncomine Dx Target test simultaneously evaluates 23 genes clinically associated with NSCLC. Following FDA approval, results from analysis of three of these genes can now be used to identify patients who may be eligible for treatment with one of the following: the combined therapy of Tafinlar and Mekinist, Xalkori, or Iressa. With this test, physicians can now match patients to these therapies in days instead of several weeks.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
(800) 955-6288; www.thermofisher.com/oncomine-dxtarget
In Vitro Diagnostic Reagents
Delivers flow cytometric leukemia, lymphoma analysis
Beckman Coulter Life Sciences, Indianapolis, has received FDA de novo regulatory clearance to market its ClearLLab reagents for in vitro diagnostic use in the United States. The reagents deliver the first preformulated, in vitro diagnostic antibody cocktails for leukemia and lymphoma immunophenotyping in the clinical lab. FDA evaluated data from a multisite clinical study that compared panel results to alternative detection methods. The clinical flow system was developed specifically to address the diagnostic challenges and differing workflow requirements of clinical laboratories.
Beckman Coulter
(800) 742-2345; www.beckmancoulter.com
Sample-to-Answer Solution
Detects more than 20 pathogens
GenMark Diagnostics Inc, Carlsbad, Calif, has received FDA premarket notification (510(k)) clearance for both its ePlex instrument and respiratory pathogen (RP) panel. The ePlex in vitro diagnostic platform integrates nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and detection processes into a fully automated, sample-to-answer system. The ePlex RP panel detects more than 20 viral and bacterial pathogens that commonly cause upper respiratory infections. With these technologies, physicians gain access to rapid, accurate, and actionable test results for high-risk patients. The system also helps laboratory directors improve productivity through reduced labor costs, advanced data analytics, and best-in-class customer service and support.
GenMark Diagnostics
(800) 373-6767; www.genmarkdx.com
Linearity and Calibration Verification Test Kit
Evaluates iron binding capacity
LGC Maine Standards, Cumberland Foreside, Maine, has released the Validate IBC linearity and calibration verification kit. The kit, in a human serum matrix, evaluates total iron binding capacity and unsaturated iron binding capacity. Each kit, prepared using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute EP06-A ‘equal delta’ sample preparation protocol, offers five distinct concentrations covering the reportable range of most chemistry analyzers. Each kit is liquid and ready-to-use. Simply 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
Medical Laboratory Evaluation Program
Updated with new modules
The Medical Laboratory Evaluation program from the American College of Physicians, Philadelphia, provides reliable, user-friendly proficiency testing services for public and private clinical laboratories that perform diagnostic testing where blood and body fluids are drawn. Designed for significant cost savings, new test modules in the 2018 catalog include adulterated urine, bacterial vaginosis, ethyl glucuronide, gastric occult blood, and Trichomonas vaginalis.
American College of Physicians
(800) 338-2746, option 5; www.acponline.org/mle
Flow Cytometer System
Offers immunological assessment
BD, Franklin Lakes, NJ, has received FDA premarket notification (510(k)) clearance for the BD FACSLyric flow cytometer system for use with BD Multitest assays for immunological assessment of individuals and patients having or suspected of having immune deficiency. The system combines a benchtop-sized instrument with software, reagents, and services to provide accurate, reliable, and repeatable results. BD FACSLyric supports BD Multitest 4-Color assays and the BD Multitest 6-Color TBNK assay. These tests determine the percentages and absolute counts of T, B, and natural killer (NK) cells, as well as the CD4 and CD8 subsets of T cells.
BD
(201) 847-6800; www.bdbiosciences.com
