Microbial Genotyping Technology Advances Infection Control bioMérieux introduces DiversiLab™, an automated system dedicated to the field of microbial genotyping, offering solutions to track hospital-acquired infections (HAI) and environmental control for product safety. The system automates DNA fingerprinting and analysis for tracking the spread and source of microbial infection, contamination, or epidemics. Based on patented rep-PCR technology, microbial isolates can quickly and accurately be distinguished at the subspecies and strain levels. The technology automates the previously cumbersome method of strain typing and allows for better genotypic characterization of bacteria, yeast, and molds, which helps identify the source and stop the spread of further infection. DiversiLab complements bioMérieux’s suite of solutions: BacT/Alert® 3D, Vitek® 2, NucliSens®, and EasyQ® platforms, as well as the Stellara® and Observa® software applications. The synergy between DiversiLab and bioMérieux’s systems supports clinical decisions that may ultimately reduce HAIs and support the prudent usage of antibiotics. Microbial pathogens are everywhere, affecting health care institutions, production facilities, food sources, and the environment. In addition, good practices and regulations applicable to the food and pharmaceutical industries, and to wholesalers, mandate stringent requirements to avoid contamination of the products, and of their manufacturing and distribution environments. The need to quickly and accurately identify the sources of pathogens is extremely important for patient health and public safety.
Tissue-Tek® AutoTec® Automated Embedding System Sakura Finetek USA Inc recently launched the Tissue-Tek® AutoTec® Automated Embedding System, which will offer pathology laboratories a new level of efficiency and standardization. The AutoTec has been designed with automation that essentially eliminates manual procedures and enhances embedding speed while ensuring production of consistent, uniform tissue blocks. This new instrument integrates with existing Sakura Tissue-Tek platforms, including the Xpress® and VIP™ tissue processors and the Prisma®/Film® slide-staining/coverslipping system. In addition, the AutoTec works with the revolutionary Paraform® Cassette System, which allows for one-time specimen orientation from processing through microtomy. The four cassette models available accommodate the embedding of virtually any tissue type, including routine specimens, biopsies, and specimens requiring special orientation. The AutoTec employs advanced robotics and other features that allow for around-the-clock tissue embedding. Cassettes can be loaded continually, without batching. As a result, the AutoTec can achieve embedding speeds unobtainable with manual techniques—up to 120 blocks per hour.
ESwab Launched by Copan Diagnostics Copan Diagnostics Inc presents ESwab (Elution Swab), a new liquid-based transport system for bacteriology swab samples. This concept for swab transport is made possible through the combination of Copan’s patented nylon flock swab invention and a new Liquid Amies format-preservation medium. ESwab provides an open platform for the laboratory to run multiple test analysis. Instead of being limited to one patient’s swab, one test, the product provides up to 10 identical 100-µL aliquots of liquid sample for analysis. The entire patient’s sample is instantly eluted on contact with the transport medium; there is no need for the operator to rim, ring, or vortex the swab. The technician collects the patient’s sample with the flocked swab, places the applicator in the tube, and snaps the applicator at the mark. The sample automatically washes from the swab into the medium. Moving the entire patient’s swab sample efficiently into liquid phase was not achievable before with traditional fiber-winded swabs. This feature allows specimens to be simply and automatically handled using a pipette or pipetting system or transferred to culture plates using the swab, captured by the tube cap, as a convenient inoculation wand. One milliliter of patient sample in every tube expands the possible number of first-line tests with extra volume in reserve for reflex analysis or sample retention for further investigations. ESwab is validated in full compliance with CLSI M40-A performance standard; Quality Control of Microbiological Transport Systems. It is demonstrated to maintain the viability of aerobes and anaerobes for up to 48 hours at both refrigerator (4°C to 8°C) and room temperature (20°C to 25°C) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae for up to 24 hours.
Microbial Genotyping Technology Advances Infection Control
Tissue-Tek® AutoTec® Automated Embedding System 
ESwab Launched by Copan Diagnostics 
