Solid Phase Extraction Sorbent

Targets neutral drugs

Phenomenex Inc, Torrance, Calif, introduces Strata-X-Drug N, the company’s second solid phase extraction (SPE) sorbent specially designed for the extraction of drugs of abuse in forensic toxicology. The new sorbent targets neutral drugs such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines. Like its counterpart for basic drugs of abuse testing, Strata-X-Drug B, the new sorbent reduces solvent expense because it does not require conditioning or equilibration. Each batch of tests is tested by extracting lorazepam and temazepam from actual urine samples, which delivers more realistic results than testing from spiked water. Samples prepared using Strata-X-Drug N are ready for LC or GC analysis, and methods are available using Phenomenex Kinetex® (LC) and Zebron® (GC) columns. Strata-X-Drug N is offered in 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-mL-SPE tubes and in 96-well plates.

Phenomenex Inc
(310) 212-0555
www.phenomenex.com


Multi-Collect Specimen Collection Kit with Pierceable Caps

Improves lab processing for chlamydia, gonorrhea testing

Abbott Molecular, Des Plaines, Ill, introduces its Multi-Collect Specimen Collection Kit with pierceable caps for use with its RealTime Chlamydia trachomatis/Neisseria gonorrhoeae (CT/NG) assay performed on the m2000 molecular diagnostic testing system. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, generate the highest test volumes in clinical labs. The introduction of pierceable caps with the kit will help labs further improve their workflow. The pierceable cap allows the m2000 system to directly pipette the patient sample out of the collection tube without manual removal of the tube cap, saving processing time, guarding against potential sample contamination, and reducing potential for repetitive motion injuries. Abbott’s RealTime CT/NG is an in vitro polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the direct, qualitative detection of the plasmid DNA of C. trachomatis and the genomic DNA of N. gonorrhoeae. The automated molecular diagnostics system, the m2000, utilizes real-time PCR technology for DNA amplification and detection.

Abbott Molecular
(800) 553-7042
www.abbottmolecular.com


Genetic Multiple Myeloma Predictive Testing

Provides insights into the genetic characteristics of patients

Provides insights into the genetic characteristics of patientsSignal Genetics, New York, introduces its next-generation multiple myeloma product, MyPRS Plus™. It provides insights into the genetic characteristics of each individual patient and identifies the molecular subgroup to which each patient belongs. This classification is the most granular predictor of relapse and survival available for myeloma patients.

Signal Genetics
(212) 486-0040
www.signalgenetics.com


Lyophilized Fixed Human Platelets

Quantitate von Willebrand factor activity in plasma

Bio/Data Corp, Horsham, Penn, offers lyophilized fixed human platelets for use in assays devised to quantitate von Willebrand factor activity in plasma. Fresh platelets are carefully selected, pooled, and washed prior to fixing and lyophilization, exposing the GP Ib receptor and stabilizing platelets for long-term storage and use. The availability of a standardized lyophilized platelet product allows labs to improve the precision of their VWF activity assays. Bio/Data lyophilized platelets are available in 4-mL and 10-mL sizes, and are provided along with diluent for reconstitution. Product applications include clinical labs, hemophilia centers, regional blood centers, and reference labs.

Bio/Data Corp
(800) 257-3282
www.biodatacorp.com


HPV Assay

Amplified nucleic acid test

Gen-Probe Inc, San Diego, has received FDA approval for its APTIMA HPV assay, an amplified nucleic acid test that detects high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) that are associated with cervical cancer and precancerous lesions. The test has been approved to run on Gen-Probe’s fully automated, high-throughput TIGRIS instrument system. The APTIMA HPV assay detects 14 high-risk HPV types associated with cervical cancer and precancerous lesions. Testing is performed from ThinPrep liquid cytology specimens routinely used for Pap testing. The assay detects messenger RNA overexpressed from two viral oncogenes that are integral to the development of cervical cancer. It is approved to test women age 21 and older whose Pap tests showed atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, meaning they were neither normal nor clearly indicative of precancerous changes, and to screen women age 30 and older as an adjunct to Pap testing.

Gen-Probe Inc
(800) 523-5001
www.gen-probe.com