Microplate Washer
For 96- and 384-well microplate washing
BioTek Instruments Inc, Winooski, Vt, introduces the 405 LS Series Microplate Washer for 96- and 384-well microplate washing. This intuitive and flexible microplate washer is suited for robotic installations, including BioTek’s BioStack Microplate Stackers and third-party systems, or remote operation. The 405 LS may be operated via a keypad interface or by a computer with liquid handling control software. The 405 LS may be used with vacuum filtration and biomagnetic separation bead-based assays, and includes patented dual-action manifold for independent aspirate/dispense control and ultrasonic advantage for unattended wash manifold maintenance. Automated internal buffer switching and quick-release manifolds add to overall flexibility for applications ranging from vigorous washing protocols to gentle washing for loosely adherent cell monolayers.
BioTek Instruments Inc
(888) 451-5171
www.biotek.com
Kit Rotor
Use filters that fit within microcentrifuge tubes
A new kit rotor from Eppendorf North America, Hauppauge, NY, offers a solution for a common problem when working with MiniPrep spin column kits, used in purifying nucleic acids applications. These kits use filters that fit within microcentrifuge tubes, which commonly prevent the lid from closing. Centrifugation is required at high speeds during the elution step, where consequently the lids of the tubes shear off, creating tiny projectiles within the rotor. This problem traditionally occurs because standard rotors may not provide enough support for open-tube lids during centrifugation. The Eppendorf Kit Rotor was designed with an extended rim that serves as support for the open tube lids, which prevents the lids from shearing off. In addition to the extended rim, this rotor also has been designed with the boreholes further apart from each other than those on a standard microcentrifuge tube rotor. This offers users peace of mind and convenient handling of their samples when loading and unloading the rotor.
Eppendorf North America Inc
(800) 645-3050
www.eppendorfna.com
Handheld Blood Analyzer
Offers Advanced Quality Features
Abbott, Abbott Park, Ill, introduces five new, advanced quality features on its i-STAT® handheld blood analyzer, designed to help hospitals better manage their point-of-care testing programs and ensure compliance with changing laboratory regulations. These features will help organizations improve compliance, oversight, and control of their point-of-care program by providing Liquid Quality Control Pass/Fail Determination; Liquid QC Scheduling and Lockout; Customizable Reportable Ranges; Operator Competency Notification; and Positive Patient Identification.
Abbott
(847) 937-6100
www.abbott.com
O2 Monitor
Recommended for use in gas storage areas
Air Liquide America Specialty Gases, Plumstead, Pa, introduces the Air Check O2 monitor, a compact and easy-to-install unit that’s suited for use in confined spaces where inert gases might accumulate. Air Check is recommended for use in gas storage areas, freezers, and other locations where low oxygen levels may pose a dangerous asphyxiation hazard. The Air Check O2 monitor features a current-limiting zirconium oxide oxygen sensor that will operate continuously for 10 or more years, with little or no maintenance. It responds to low oxygen conditions within seconds, providing drift-free oxygen readings even in areas where temperature, barometric pressure, and humidity levels are variable. Suitable for indoor and outdoor applications, Air Check transmits continuous oxygen concentration levels to any system control data acquisition system or programmable logic controller. It can be configured as a display-only monitor or a full-featured monitor with dual-level, user-selectable alarm relays that can be operated remotely up to 1,000 meters from centralized controllers.
Air Liquide America Specialty Gases LLC
(215) 766-8860
www.alspecialtygases.com
Torque Meter
Cap torque analyzer
The new Shimpo TNP torque meter from Nidec-Shimpo America Corp, Itasca, Ill, is a precision instrument for measuring open and closed torque values for various applications. As a cap torque analyzer, the TNP repeatedly determines bottle closure and breakaway torque. Its wide memory capacity is capable of storing 1,000 data points, in addition to average, maximum, and minimum values. A HI-GO-LO comparator feature can be used for large batch testing to ensure overall product quality. The torque meter is USB-capable for easy PC/software interface. Combined with the free Digitorq software, statistical testing and analysis can be performed. The TNP is a portable device powered with internal rechargeable batteries or through a universal AC adapter/charger. Designed with a small footprint, it can easily be moved.
Nidec-Shimpo America Corp
(800) 237-7079
www.shimpoinst.com
Refrigerated Centrifuge
Cool to set temperatures from -10°C to 40°C
Eppendorf North America, Hauppauge, NY, offers a new refrigerated centrifuge 5424 R. The 24-place centrifuge 5424 R can spin up to 21,130 x g and can accurately cool to set temperatures from -10°C to 40°C. The FastTemp function allows for super-fast 8-minute precooling to 4°C. This refrigerated microcentrifuge includes a condensation drain to eliminate water accumulation and to prevent corrosion. Centrifuge 5424 R also offers versatility with four different rotor options. Options include the kit rotor, which is designed with an extended rim to support tube caps when using MiniPrep spin column kits.
Eppendorf North America Inc
(800) 645-3050
www.eppendorfna.com
E Chip
Expands the range of viscosity measurements
RheoSense Inc, San Ramon, Calif, introduces its new E chip, which expands the range of viscosity measurements with significantly greater shear rates. Mounted on the m-VROC viscometer, the E chip attains 2,000,000 1/s measurements of water-like viscosity or 1,000,000 1/s for various injket inks (~ 4 mPas). With conventional viscometers, viscosity measurement at high shear rates has been very difficult, according to the company. With conventional instruments, the flow can become turbulent or unstable, which invalidates measurements. Measurements have to be repeated, using more samples and other resources. Using the E chip eliminates the onset of early turbulence. The well-defined, microfabricated uniform flow channel of the E chip maintains the laminar flow at high shear rates, producing accurate measurements. This viscosity measurement is facilitated by the higher, full-scale pressure of the chip.
RheoSense Inc
(925) 866-3801
www.rheosense.com
Mobile Blood Gas Analyzer for Hospital POC
Next-generation technology to virtually eliminate downtime due to blood clots
Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, introduces the cobas b 123 POC system, a mobile blood gas analyzer designed for hospital point-of-care settings. The system’s next-generation technology helps ensure reliable performance by virtually eliminating the introduction of blood clots that can contribute to analyzer downtime and negatively impact patient care. With patented, thick-film sensor technology and a broad assay menu that includes lactate, the system offers fast turnaround time for 15 important critical care blood gas and electrolyte tests. It has a mobile cart to facilitate use in a variety of areas, from the intensive care unit to the patient floor. It also offers automated linearity testing and calibration to simplify both workflow and regulatory compliance. The fluid packs for the system require no refrigeration and include smart chips, allowing them to be easily transferred between similar devices and helping hospitals control material and labor costs.
Roche Diagnostics
(317) 521-2000
www.roche-diagnostics.us
