MVS
Verifies dilution ratios
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Artel, Westbrook, Me, has enhanced its Multichannel Verification System (MVS) to provide laboratories with the first standardized technology to verify the accuracy of dilution ratios in serial dilution protocols. This new capability is designed for drug-discovery and other laboratories that rely on data generated from dilution-based liquid delivery procedures. Rapid and easy to use, the MVS facilitates liquid- handling quality assurance programs and strengthens compliance by providing traceable results. Laboratories benefit from enhanced efficiency, data repeatability, and more accurate results. Laboratories have typically determined the concentrations of the target samples, based on the assumed dilution ratio. This practice can be suspect because as a sample is being diluted across a plate, volume transfer variability on the microliter and nanoliter levels can affect results significantly. The MVS technology and range of standardized solutions allow for rapid verification of dilution ratios and provide traceable results for compliance and reproducibility.
Artel
(207) 854-0860; www.artel-usa.com
QIAcube
Automates purification of DNA, RNA, and proteins
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The QIAcube, from Qiagen, Hilden, Germany, makes automated sample processing available to all labs. The QIAcube automates purification of DNA, RNA, or proteins using Qiagen spin-column kits, eliminating manual processing steps, which makes more efficient use of time. The QIAcube is preinstalled with protocols for purification of plasmid DNA, genomic DNA, RNA, viral nucleic acids, and proteins, plus DNA and RNA cleanup. The range of protocols available is continually expanding, and additional protocols can be downloaded free of charge. The unit performs all processing steps—from sample lysis to elution of highly pure nucleic acids or proteins. The standardized, automated purification procedure helps to eliminate human error, providing results that are the same among various labs.
Qiagen
(800) 426-8157; www.qiagen.com/MyQIAcube
Label Morphor II
Network-based label printing
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Computype Inc, Minneapolis, has introduced the Label Morphor II, a label-print server that is part of a Web-based label management solution designed to network label printing and design. The system enables companies with multiple laboratories to store all of their label designs in one location, yet be able to access and print them from multiple computers within their network based on need, location or security level. The system integrates the latest bar-code technology to help laboratories meet strict FDA guidelines regarding label appearance, wording, and bar-code structure. It also allows administrators to set security levels so that only certain users can modify label designs with customized Web pages that include drop-down menus, free-flowing text, and bar-code formats.
Computype Inc
(800) 328-0852; www.computype.com
Image Analysis
Instant interpretation
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Giles Scientific Inc, Santa Barbara, Calif-produced Biomic V3’s color image analysis instantly reads, interprets, and records D-Test results when erythromycin and clindamycin disks are placed, and the appropriate organism conditions recommended by CLSI are met. When a flattening of the clindamycin zone is detected and displayed on-screen, these isolates will be reported as “clindamycin resistant.” The device reads antibiotic disk diffusion tests and commercial bacteria and yeast identification panels including RapID (Remel), API (bioMérieux), Crystal (BD), and CHROMagar (BD). High-resolution color test images can be saved for further evaluation. Biomic V3 serves as a primary or complementary AST-ID system for microbiology laboratories of all sizes and setups. A bidirectional LIS interface can be added to further speed workflow. Users can create and modify drug panels to match changing formulary and physician needs. The unit connects to a standard Windows®-based PC and requires no routine maintenance or service.
Giles Scientific Inc
(800) 603-9290; www.biomic.com
