[COMPUTERS/IT]
Tumor Board Software
Streamlines and standardizes patient data
For healthcare providers, managing tumor boards is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process that requires manually collecting and organizing patient information from various sources, such as radiology and microscope slide images, pathology reports, and electronic medical records. Roche Diagnostics has announced the result of a collaboration with the University of Missouri School of Medicine to implement the company’s Navify software solution to streamline and standardize the management of tumor boards. The system combines relevant patient data from disparate sources into a Cloud-based workflow solution and dashboard that facilitate efficient team collaboration, reduce errors, and give the care team more time to evaluate potential treatment options.
Roche Diagnostics
(800) 428-5076; www.diagnostics.roche.com
AI Software
Intelligent analysis for raw PCR data
The new artificial intelligence-powered FastFinder software (CE marked for IVD use in the EU; not FDA approved) and the new Fast Track cycler (research use only) support testing for more than 140 pathogens. The software intelligently analyzes raw PCR data, resulting in more reliable measurements, better accuracy, and less eyes-on time.
Siemens Healthineers
(888) 826-9702; www.healthcare.siemens.com
[EQUIPMENT]
UniFlow Hoods
Safe handling of perchloric acids
Perchloric Acid Hoods are engineered for the safe handling of perchloric acids in laboratory procedures. The hoods come in widths of 48 inches, 60 inches, and 72 inches, and include a dedicated washdown and exhaust system. The UniFlow superstructure is constructed of either PVC or type 316 stainless steel, and features exclusive unitized dual-wall construction for chemical resistance, strength, and durability. A rear drain trough is integral to the superstructure. The fume hood features a dedicated washdown with integral piping spray nozzles and a remote control on the right-hand column.
Hemco Corp
(800) 779-4362; www.hemcocorp.com
[INSTRUMENTATION]
Automated RPR Syphilis Analyzer
Enables nontreponemal screening
Arlington Scientific has received FDA premarket notification (510(k)) clearance for ASI Evolution, a fully automated system for nontreponemal syphilis diagnostic testing and blood donor screening. The low-cost analyzer for automating syphilis testing will increase efficiency and output, and effectively reduce work hours in the lab. The instrument interprets the results of 190 samples per hour while delivering consistent, dependable, and objective results. With intuitive software, a single operator can run multiple analyzers simultaneously, freeing up time for other laboratory tasks. The ASI Evolution enables laboratories to use a fully automated assay for performing the nontreponemal screening algorithm traditionally recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Arlington Scientific
(800) 654-0146; www.arlingtonscientific.com
High-Speed Benchtop Analyzer
Screens for drugs of abuse and routine chemistry panels
Carolina Liquid Chemistries has announced launch of the EasyRA high-speed benchtop analyzer from Medica Corp. The refreshed EasyRA clinical chemistry analyzer now offers double the throughput of its predecessor, operating at a rate of up to 240 photometric tests per hour or up to 480 ion-selective electrode (ISE) tests per hour. The test menu consists of 14 urine tests for drugs of abuse and 35 general chemistry tests. The all-in-one system allows clinical laboratories to screen for drugs of abuse in urine while also enabling healthcare providers to access routine chemistry panels, including comprehensive metabolic panels, lipids, and liver enzymes, on a single, easy-to-use analyzer.
Carolina Liquid Chemistries
(714) 529-1616; www.carolinachemistries.com
[MISC SUPPLIES]
RNA Library Prep Kit
Sequence-ready libraries from single cells and ultralow input RNA
New England Biolabs has released the NEBNext single-cell/low input RNA library prep kit for Illumina. The new kit incorporates an optimized template switching protocol to produce full-length transcript, sequence-ready libraries from single cells and ultralow input RNA. The NEBNext single-cell/low input RNA library prep kit’s workflow includes new reagents, combined steps, and minimized cleanup steps, making it fast and easy to use, with less than 30 minutes hands-on time. Downstream of complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis, sequencing library construction incorporates the Ultra II FS technology, allowing users to perform enzymatic cDNA fragmentation, end repair, and dA-tailing reactions in a single enzyme mix with a single protocol.
New England Biolabs
(978) 927-5054; www.neb.com
[TESTING/DIAGNOSTICS]
HSV 1 & 2 Direct Assay
Expanded sample types to all swabs
DiaSorin Molecular has received FDA clearance extending the sample type claims for its herpes simplex virus (HSV) direct assay, Simplexa HSV 1 & 2. The clearance expands the testable sample types to include genital swabs plus all cutaneous and mucocutaneous swab samples. The Simplexa HSV 1 & 2 direct kit is a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay used on the company’s Liaison MDX instrument for the in vitro qualitative detection and differentiation of HSV 1 and HSV 2 DNA in cerebrospinal fluid and swab samples. The test does not require a DNA extraction step, and processes up to eight samples per run in about 1 hour.
DiaSorin Molecular
(562) 240-6500; www.molecular.diasorin.com
Sweat Collection System
For laboratory diagnosis of cystic fibrosis
ELITechGroup Biomedical Systems, a global leader in laboratory diagnosis of cystic fibrosis, has launched the FDA-cleared Macroduct Advanced sweat collection system. Features of the new Macroduct Advanced system include a touchscreen user interface with built-in step-by-step graphical instructions that further standardize pilocarpine iontophoresis and sweat collection for optimum results. In addition, the revised shape of the Macroduct electrodes and collector offer greater convenience when working with neonates and toddlers with small limbs. The system enhances laboratory workflow for meeting protocols and traceability requirements with flexible options for data management.
ELITechGroup Biomedical Systems
(435) 227-1422; www.macroductadvanced.com
Noninvasive Prenatal Test for Zygosity
Identifies identical twin pregnancies
Natera has announced American Medical Association issuance of a new CPT code for zygosity testing in twin pregnancies, using the company’s Panorama noninvasive prenatal test (NIPT). Zygosity describes whether twins are identical (monozygotic) or nonidentical (dizygotic), and is closely linked to risks for placental disorders that can occur in identical twin pregnancies. Panorama is currently the only NIPT able to evaluate zygosity, and is clinically validated to offer greater than 99% accuracy as early as 9 weeks of gestation.
Natera
(844) 778-4700; www.natera.com
NGS Hereditary Disease Analysis
Customizable target enrichment panels
Qiagen has introduced seamless next-generation sequencing (NGS) solutions for a wide range of hereditary diseases on the GeneReader NGS system. The launch includes customizable QIAact target enrichment panels for analysis of more than 13 hereditary disease groups. The products integrate Qiagen’s clinical insight (QCI) bioinformatics analysis and interpretation software with hereditary disease data from the company’s human gene mutation database, to deliver clear, actionable reports. The integrated solution enables analysis of specific sets of genetic hereditary disorders of interest, including cystic fibrosis, inherited cancers, inherited cardiovascular diseases, universal carrier screening, and other hereditary conditions.
Qiagen
(800) 426-8157; www.qiagen.com
Featured Image: Qiagen’s GeneRead QIAact Myeloid panel for use in leukemia covers relevant genetic variants for a number of myeloid malignancies. Photo © Qiagen; all rights reserved.
