[AUTOMATION]
Screw Cap Recappers
Handle large-format sample storage tubes
Micronic, Lelystad, the Netherlands, a provider of sample storage solutions, has added two new screw cap recappers to its sample handling equipment line: the Univo screw cap recapper SR006 and SR004. With these devices, Micronic addresses the need of research laboratories for a cost-effective solution to recap 24-well and 48-well format sample storage tubes securely and uniformly, ensuring optimal sealing performance. The handheld devices offer users the ability to cap a row of 4 or 6 tubes in 5 seconds, and a whole rack of 24 or 48 tubes in less than 1 minute.
Micronic
(484) 483-8075;Â www.micronic.com
[EQUIPMENT]
Fume Hoods
Suited for small spaces
EcoFlow fume hoods, manufactured by Hemco, Independence, Mo, are offered in 24-, 30-, 36- and 48-inch wide models, and are intended to be an economical solution for laboratories where space is limited. The hood sizes make the line suitable for additional hood space applications and student workstations. Because of their reduced size, the hoods require less exhaust air to be drawn from the lab. The fully adjustable sliding sash is made of 3/16-inch thick shatterproof Plexiglas and is fully adjustable to allow easy access into the fume chamber.
Hemco
(800) 779-4362; www.hemcocorp.com
[INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES]
Updated Microscopy Software
Addresses fluorescence imaging challenges
Basler, Ahrensburg, Germany, has enhanced its PowerPack for microscopy to address the challenging requirements of fluorescence imaging. The 2.0 version of the Basler microscopy software is designed to increase user convenience, with dark skin mode and fluorescence color presets, as well as additional feature upgrades. The software also offers exposure compensation and a new zoom feature for stereomicroscopes.
Basler
(610) 280-0171; www.baslerweb.com
[INSTRUMENTATION]
Sample Processing System
Offers automated nucleic acid isolation and assay setup
PerkinElmer Inc, Waltham, Mass, has launched its Chemagic Prime instrument, a streamlined, walkaway sample processing solution that offers automated nucleic acid isolation and assay setup by combining PerkinElmer’s Chemagic 360 instrument with the company’s Janus automated liquid handling system. The Chemagic Prime instrument uses magnetized rods rather than magnetic plates to separate nucleic acids from solutions. Transferring the magnetic beads instead of the process solutions reduces contamination risk and isolates higher purity, more-intact DNA and RNA. By incorporating additional liquid handling capabilities, the Chemagic Prime instrument also automates primary sample transfer, normalization, and setup of PCR assays and NGS libraries.
PerkinElmer
(781) 663-6900; www.perkinelmer.com
Hematology Analyzer
Requires 20 µl sample
Diatron, Budapest, Hungary, has launched the Aquila 3-part differential hematology analyzer, which can be used in many testing locations where high-quality complete blood count results are desired. Specifically designed for decentralized laboratory and near-patient testing situations, the small analyzer has low reagent consumption (<12 ml), requires only a small sample size (20 µl), and has a unique, patent-pending onboard reagent pack sufficient for approximately 200 measurement cycles. With its small footprint, the analyzer can be used in many locations, including small laboratories and point-of-care applications.
Diatron
(833) 228-7931; www.diatron.com
CBC Analyzer
Developed for point-of-care settings
FDA has cleared XW-100 automated hematology analyzer from Sysmex America Inc, Lincolnshire, Ill, a complete blood cell count (CBC) analyzer that can be used in a wide range of healthcare settings, including physicians’ offices and clinics, and administered by a vast range of personnel, including support staff. The device works by using a blood sample to classify and quantify 12 different blood characteristics, providing patients with a blood component profile as part of their overall health assessment. The device uses a 15 µL sample of venous blood to provide a CBC with a three-part white blood cell differential, offering 12 clinically useful results, all of which are available in as little as 3 minutes.
Sysmex America
(888) 879-7639; www.sysmex.com
[MISC SUPPLIES]
Heparin Linearity, Calibration Verification Test Kit
Developed for Stago analyzers
LGC Maine Standards, Cumberland Foreside, Maine, has released the Validate heparin linearity and calibration verification kit for Stago STA analyzers from Diagnostica Stago, Parsipanny, NJ. The kit, in a human plasma matrix, evaluates heparin anti-Xa (HP). Each kit offers five distinct concentrations covering the 0.1–2.0 IU/mL reportable range of Stago STA analyzers, and is liquid and ready to use. Users dispense the product from each dropper bottle directly into five sample cups and run in replicates.
LGC Maine Standards
(800) 377-9684; www.lgcgroup.com
Reagents for DNA Purification
Features options for high or low volumes
MagMax DNA Multisample Ultra 2.0 reagents from Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, Mass, provide genetic testing companies, labs, and service providers with fast, hassle-free and high-throughput DNA extraction from blood, buccal swabs, buffy coat, and saliva. Using a simplified protocol for either high- or low-volume sample input, the reagents can purify DNA from 96 samples in 45 minutes, using Thermo Scientific KingFisher instruments. The reagents were developed to provide genetic testing labs with maximum yields of high-purity DNA for genome sequencing and other genetic testing applications.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
(866) 356-0354; www.thermofisher.com
Sperm Cryopreservation Medium
Uses a dual buffer system
Arctic sperm cryopreservation medium from Irvine Scientific, Santa Ana, Calif, is formulated to improve the post-thaw performance of frozen sperm samples and reduce the cost of sperm cryopreservation. The medium has an enriched formula high in glycerol that provides cryopreservation at a 3:1 ratio of semen to medium, which minimizes dilution of poor quality samples. The medium uses a dual buffer system of 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) and 3-(N-morpholino)propanesulfonic acid (MOPS) that maintains a stable environment while on the benchtop.
Irvine Scientific
(800) 577.6097; www.irvinesci.com
Bottletop Dispensers
Eppendorf North America, Hauppauge, NY, has developed the Varispenser 2 and Varispenser 2x bottletop dispensers, featuring chemically resistant and fully autoclavable designs. Using a positive displacement principle, loss of residue is minimized. Accessories such as an easily assembled drying tube, a filter, or a flexible discharge tube enable a broad range of dispensing options. All devices are equipped with standard GL 45 threads and can be used with almost all kinds of threads used in labs thanks to the additional adapters included in the scope of delivery.
Eppendorf North America
(800) 645-3050; www.eppendorf.com/us-en
[TESTING/DIAGNOSTICS]
Respiratory Assay
Utilizes ready-to-use reagents
Hologic Inc, Marlborough, Mass, has received premarket notification (510(k)) clearance from FDA for its Panther Fusion Flu A/B/RSV assay running on the company’s new Panther Fusion system. The Panther Fusion is available as a full system or the Panther Fusion module can be attached to existing Panther systems in the field to extend testing capabilities. Specifically, the Panther Fusion adds the capacity to run polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays in addition to tests based on Hologic’s proprietary transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) chemistry, which also powers the company’s Aptima brand. The assay utilizes ready-to-use reagents, which offer up to 60-day onboard stability.
Hologic
(508) 263-2471; www.hologic.com
Lateral-Flow Assay Development Kit
The Universal lateral-flow assay (LFA) kit from Sygnis AG, Cambridge, UK, is the latest addition to the company’s expanding range of lateral-flow assay products and services commercialized under the Innova Biosciences brand name. Sygnis’s new product provides a tool for the quick development of customized sandwich lateral-flow assays. The kit utilizes the company’s patented antibody labeling technologies, Lightning-Link and InnovaCoat Gold, and enables customers to create lateral-flow assay reagents with only a few minutes of hands-on time, and without the need to spray capture antibodies on the test strip.
Sygnis
(844) 611-3656; www.expedeon.com
Multiplexed Companion Diagnostic
FDA has granted premarket approval for the FoundationOne CDx (F1CDx) in vitro diagnostic from Foundation Medicine Inc, Cambridge, Mass. The next-generation sequencing (NGS) test can detect genetic mutations in 324 genes and two genomic signatures in any solid tumor type. F1CDx provides information about a number of different genetic mutations that may help in the clinical management of patients with cancer. Additionally, based on individual test results, the new diagnostic can identify which patients with any of five tumor types may benefit from 15 different FDA-approved targeted treatment options.
Foundation Medicine
(888) 988.3639; www.foundationmedicine.com
Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Kits
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 within 3–10 minutes. The newly available TwistAmp liquid kits are designed to simplify integration of RPA technology into existing laboratory workflows
TwistDx
www.twistdx.co.uk
HIV Self-Test
Used in a handheld device
The Atomo HIV self-test from Atomo Diagnostics, Sydney, Australia, is now eligible for procurement by organizations entitled to access Global Fund and Unitaid resources. The third-generation HIV test strip, used in a handheld device, incorporates a sterile safety lancet and unique blood collection and delivery system. The test is performed by delivering a small drop of capillary blood from a fingerstick onto the test strip, and then applying drops of chase buffer.
Atomo Diagnostics
[email protected]; atomodiagnostics.com
Digital PCR Test
Monitors response to therapy
Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc, Hercules, Calif, has introduced the QXDx BCR-ABL %IS kit, a CE-marked digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test that can monitor the molecular response to therapy of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The QXDx BCR-ABL %IS kit provides an absolute measure of BCR-ABL transcripts using Bio-Rad’s droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) technology. The kit is able to detect deep molecular response values of MR 4.7 or 5.0 in 2- or 4-well formats, exceeding the limitations of RT-qPCR-based tests, which are typically reliable only to MR 4.5.
Bio-Rad Laboratories
(800) 224-6723; www.bio-rad.com
