Allergy, Autoimmune Testing System
For medium-sized laboratories
Providing optimal allergy and autoimmunity testing using advanced technology, the Phadia 250 laboratory system from Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc, Waltham, Mass, is fully automated and designed for medium-sized laboratories. The unit is capable of delivering 400–2000 results per week, with a throughput of 60 results per hour. Information data manager software allows integration of several Phadia instruments into one network using the same software. The system offers a broad autoimmunity menu covering clinically relevant markers for evaluation of the most common autoimmunity diseases. The company recently received FDA premarket notification (510(k)) clearance for five new ImmunoCap allergen component tests, performed on Phadia systems, for detecting immunoglobulin E sensitization to cashew, hazelnut, and walnut proteins.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
(800) 346-4364; www.thermofisher.com
Automated ELISA
Features dual independent probes
The Triturus system from Grifols USA, Los Angeles, is a completely open and fully automated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analyzer capable of performing a variety of assays on a group of samples and processing several batches simultaneously. Featuring dual independent probes, the analyzer is designed to perform all steps of any microplate ELISA test with minimal preparation time, thanks to a streamlined sample loading process and automatic configuration. The unit can perform up to eight different tests per batch on a given sample or on a group of samples. Either fixed needles or disposable tips can be used during the run.
Grifols USA
(888) 474-3657; www.grifols.com
Digital Immunoassay System
Delivers results in 10 seconds
The Veritor system from BD Diagnostics, San Diego, offers labs advanced performance and reliable results for detecting group A Strep, influenza A+B, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Reporting performance measured against polymerase chain reaction results, the digital immunoassay system incorporates the company’s advanced detection particle and adaptive read technology. Flu and RSV assays are categorized as moderately complex under the terms of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988, and test devices are ready to insert into the reader 10 minutes after a sample is added. The group A Strep assay has waived status, and test devices are ready after 5 minutes. The reader features a one-touch button design, and results are displayed digitally in 10 seconds.
BD Diagnostics
(800) 638-8656; www.bd.com
Fully Automated ELISA Processor
Equipped with three robotic arms
The Agility from Dynex Technologies, Chantilly, Va, is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system that enables full walkaway processing from the beginning of testing. With throughput allowing for up to 12 plates onboard at once, the system utilizes three precision robotic arms for sample pipetting, for reagent pipetting, and for transporting plates and consumables. Features include continuous sample loading, illuminated and color-coded reagent access positions, comprehensive integration to laboratory information management systems, and a monitoring system to measure consumable levels. Agility SmartKits are direct-load reagent kits with 2D barcodes that can be loaded onto the system in one step.
Dynex Technologies
(800) 288-2354; www.dynex.com
Multiplex Biochip System
Consolidates immunoassay and nucleic acid testing
The Evidence Investigator from Randox Laboratories, Kearneysville, W Va, is a multiplex biochip system with the unique ability to consolidate immunoassay and nucleic acid testing. Utilizing Randox’s proprietary biochip array technology, the compact benchtop platform offers complete patient profiling with a comprehensive test menu. Applications include drug development, clinical lab testing, clinical research, drug residue testing, and forensic toxicology. The technology can run 702 tests in 75 minutes, aiming to produce high-quality, reliable results while reducing time and costs.
Randox Laboratories
(866) 472-6369; www.randox.com
Immunoassay Platform
Includes 48 new, custom-driven features
Quanterix Corp, Lexington, Mass, has launched Simoa 2.0, the second generation of the company’s ultrasensitive immunoassay platform. Hardware improvements include a redesigned wash ring to prevent salt buildup, LED labeling above lanes, idle power management, and improved tubing routing to avoid wash-lift stalling. The platform also boasts 48 new, customer-driven features, such as blocking of sample processing if the database is at critical space level, a prompt for user status whenever a waste bin is removed, and the elimination of a restart requirement when switching between plate and rack modes. During the new assay protocol, the same number of beads as in the Simoa 1.0 assay protocol are mixed directly with the sample, with no pelleting step, thereby reducing the risk of inadequate resuspension of beads.
Quanterix
(617) 301-9400; www.quanterix.com
Benchtop Immunoassay System
Performs up to 36 tests per hour
The Vidas 3 from bioMérieux, Marcy l’Etoile, France, is the latest version of the company’s benchtop immunoassay system. The FDA-cleared and CE-marked instrument incorporates enhanced preanalytical automation features, including automated scanning of reagents and barcoded primary sample tubes for improved traceability, automated calibration and onboard dilution, and new software capabilities. The low-throughput immunoassay system can perform up to 36 tests per hour, on demand, individually, or in series. Calibration can be completed every 14 or 28 days, depending on the parameter. Three separate racks each containing three configurable segments can hold a total of 27 samples, diluents, and calibrators. Users have access to more than 100 tests in a single-test format for the diagnosis of allergies, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, infertility, pregnancy, and thyroiditis.
bioMérieux
(800) 682-2666; www.biomerieux.com
Automated Immunoassay Analyzer
Available in four models
The AIA-900 from Tosoh Bioscience Inc, South San Francisco, is now available as a benchtop model. The system has a throughput of 90 tests per hour and is available in four models: AIA-900-BT, AIA-900 loader, AIA-900 9-tray sorter, and AIA-900 19-tray sorter. With dimensions measuring 35.6 inches x 26.6 inches x 25.68 inches and 269.5 lb, the AIA-900-BT utilizes a Tosoh unit dose test cup with a 90-day calibration stability. The analyzer offers a complete test menu for a wide variety of applications, including anemia, cardiac markers, diabetes, kidney, metabolic, reproductive, sex hormone-binding globulin, thyroid, tumor markers, and vitamin D.
Tosoh Bioscience
(800)-248-6764; www.tosohbioscience.us
Chemiluminescent Analyzer
Enables random-access processing
Inova Diagnostics, San Diego, offers Bio-Flash, a fully automated, random access chemiluminescent analyzer for the autoimmune laboratory. Designed to enhance workflow efficiencies, the system achieves a throughput of 450 results in a single shift, and provides results in as little as 30 minutes. Stable onboard reagents allow for samples to be run as they arrive, and a reagent carousel stores up to 20 reagent packs with onboard refrigeration. Primary samples are placed directly onto the rack and scanned by an internal barcode reader. A master calibration curve is uploaded through the reagent pack barcode. The system also includes intuitive software and touchscreen.
Inova Diagnostics
(800) 545-9495; www.inovadx.com
Benchtop Analyzer
Uses advanced fluorescence detection
The Sofia from Quidel Corp, San Diego, is a benchtop analyzer that uses advanced fluorescence detection with an ultraviolet LED energy source to identify specific targets. The stronger the signal is, the higher the concentration of the target analyte present in the sample. The analyzer has waived status under terms of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988, and offers laboratory information system capabilities and an expanding test menu. The company recently received a CE mark for its S. pneumoniae fluorescent immunoassay (FIA) for use with the Sofia analyzer. FIAs available in the United States include assays to detect human chorionic gonadotropin, influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus, and group A Strep.
Quidel
(858) 552-1100; www.quidel.com
