Anavo Analyzer

Instantaneous material identification

Axsun Technologies Inc, Billerica, Mass, a manufacturer of MEMS-based micro-optoelectronic spectrometers, has introduced the Anavo Analyzer, a handheld NIR spectrometer. This rugged analyzer, modeled on the company’s MEMS-based spectrometer, is targeted at material identification applications ranging from plastics and polymer recycling to incoming raw materials inspection to field measurements in the food and agriculture industry. The heart of the analyzer is Axsun’s unique micro-optical platform, combining tunable laser technology, MEMS tunable filter, and wavelength and power calibration all on a single optical chip. The resulting spectrometer boasts FT-NIR–level performance in one handheld, battery-operated package. The onboard material libraries and analysis software combine with Axsun’s fast-scanning tunable laser technology to provide instantaneous material identification in even the harshest industrial environments. The device’s intuitive user interface and easy-to-read LCD screen allow for simple operation by technical and nontechnical users alike.

Axsun Technologies Inc
(978) 262.0049; www.axsun.com


ImmPact DAB

Enhanced sensitivity

ImmPact DAB from Vector Laboratories Inc, Burlingame, Calif, is a new formula of diaminobenzidine-based peroxidase substrate. Its enhanced sensitivity generates a darker, crisper, brown precipitate than conventional DAB substrates. It is designed for immunohistochemical staining and membrane-based blot detection with any horseradish peroxidase-based detection reagents. ImmPact DAB reaction product is resistant to ethanol and organic solvents, enabling dehydration and permanent mounting of stained preparations. The sharp, exquisite color deposition on tissue sections allows for excellent contrast with traditional counterstains like hematoxylin or in combination with other enzyme substrates for multiple antigen labeling. The working solution is stable for up to 5 days at room temperature, and for at least 2 weeks when stored refrigerated without precipitate formation or loss of sensitivity, making it a good choice for automated staining. The substrate is provided as 120 ml of diluent and a concentrated stock solution of highly reactive DAB.

Vector Laboratories Inc
(650) 697-3600; www.vectorlabs.com


CVC 123

Blood gas calibration verification controls

RNA Medical, division of Bionostics Inc, Devens, MA, has announced enhancements to CVC 123, Calibration Verification Controls for use with blood gas, electrolyte, and metabolite analyzers. This product is now assayed for IL GEM Premier 3000, Bayer 400 Series, and Radiometer ABL 800 Series analyzers. CVC 123 is used to confirm the calibration and linearity of blood gas systems measuring pH, pCO2, pO2, sodium, potassium, chloride, ionized calcium, ionized magnesium, glucose, and lactate. It is provided in five levels for verifying analyzer performance throughout the reportable range, and is packaged in kits that contain four ampuls of each level. A peer statistical program, available at no charge to RNA customers, features Web-based data submission and provides a printable graph and detailed report for each analyte.

RNA Medical
(800) 533-6162; www.rnamedical.com


Surveyor

Mutation Detection Kit

The new high-throughput Surveyor Mutation Detection Kit for Universal Primer Fluorescent Capillary Electrophoresis is designed to digest target DNA amplified with two Universal Fluorescent Primers (included in the kit), labeled with either fluorescein or Tamra, for subsequent analysis by fluorescent capillary electrophoresis using an ABI PRISM Genetic Analyzer. Surveyor Nuclease, a mismatch-specific endonuclease, recognizes mismatches in heteroduplex dsDNA and cleaves both DNA strands on the 3’-side of the mismatch site. It recognizes all base-substitutions, insertions, deletions & SNP’s, including multiple mutations, in single fragments, low copy mutations and pooled DNA samples. Kits come complete with everything needed for mutation detection.

Transgenomic Inc
(888) 233-9283; www.transgenomic.com


Anaplasma Phagocytophilum Slides

For the detection of IgG and IgM antibodies

Linmed Biologics, Brea, Calif, an innovator of unique viral IFA and EIA reagents, has introduced a new line of antigen slides for the detection of A. phagocytophilum by IFA. These slides can be used to detect both IgG and IgM class antibodies of A. phagocytophilum in human serum or plasma. Human anaplasmosis, previously known as human granuloctyic ehrlichiosis (HGE), is an emerging tick-borne infectious zoonosis characterized by headache, fever, myalgia, malaise, thrombocytopenia, and elevated liver enzymes. The genogroup including ehrlichia equi, ehrlichia phagocytophila, and HGE agent has since been designated as the single species Anaplasma phagocytophilum. In addition to the antigen slides, Linmed Biologics also offers a complete line of conjugates and specific antisera.

Linmed Biologics
(800) 787-5210; www.linmedbio.net


Procleix Tigris System

Screen for West Nile virus

Gen-Probe Inc, San Diego, has announced that the FDA has approved the company’s Procleix Tigris System, a fully automated molecular diagnostics instrument that screens donated blood, organs, and tissues for West Nile virus using the Procleix WNV Assay. To gain approval for West Nile testing on the system, the company submitted to the FDA a 510(k) application for the instrument, as well as a supplement to the previously approved Biologics License Application for the assay. The assay was approved in December 2005 for use on the company’s semi-automated instrument platform. The fully automated, high-throughput system can process 1,000 blood samples in about 14 hours. This level of productivity facilitates individual donor testing, which increases screening sensitivity and blood safety. Blood testing sites typically screen for West Nile using pooled samples. When predetermined West Nile prevalence triggers are met in their geographic areas, they switch to individual donor testing.

Gen-Probe Inc
(800) 523-5001; www.gen-probe.com


Platelet PGD Test

Submitted to the FDA

Verax Biomedical Inc, Worcester, Mass, a developer of rapid tests for detecting bacterial contaminants in blood cells and tissue, has submitted a 510(k) application to the FDA for its Platelet PGD Test. This filing is based on data gathered at three major US hospitals, and is intended to demonstrate that the performance of the product is substantially equivalent to existing FDA-cleared tests for the detection of bacterial contamination in platelets. FDA clearance of the test would permit Verax to market the device, which cuts the detection time for bacterial contamination to approximately 30 minutes, compared to the 1-day to 3-day detection times of currently available tests. Abbott Diagnostics has signed a worldwide exclusive agreement to market and distribute the product, and British Biocell International signed a 10-year contract to provide gold colloid and manufacturing.

Verax Biomedical Inc
(508) 755-7029; www.veraxbiomedical.com


Clearview Rapid HIV Tests

For screening and detection of HIV-1 and HIV-2

Inverness Medical-Biostar Inc, Louisville, Colo, a subsidiary of Inverness Medical Innovations Inc, a manufacturer and marketer of rapid diagnostic products for the consumer and professional markets, has announced two new tests, Clearview HIV 1/2 STAT-PAK and Clearview Complete HIV 1/2, for the professional market to provide rapid screening and detection of HIV-1 and HIV-2. The STAT-PAK is a cassette that can be utilized in either a waived or nonwaived laboratory. The Complete utilizes a patented barrel technology designed to maximize ease of use and minimize exposure to infectious agents. Both HIV tests are FDA-approved for use with fingerstick whole blood, venous whole blood, serum or plasma for the detection of HIV-1 as well as HIV-2 antibodies. Both tests achieved a sensitivity of 99.7% and a specificity of 99.9% in clinical trials, and offer a 24-month shelf life from date of manufacture.

Inverness Medical Professional Diagnostics
(800) 257-9525; www.invernessmedicalpd.com


Very Low Density Lipoprotein

Made from human plasma

Lee Biosolutions, St Louis, has announced the production and availability of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) from human plasma for purchase. Very low density lipoprotein contains about 16% to 22% cholesterol and high amounts of triglycerides, which can put people at risk for coronary heart disease. VLDL levels have also been correlated with accelerated rates of atherosclerosis, and are elevated in a number of other diseases and metabolic states. VLDLs inhibit DNA synthesis in lymphocytes activated by the nonspecific mitogen concanavalin A. VLDL is the next step down from chylomicrons in terms of size and lipid content. VLDL circulates through the blood, giving up triglycerides to fat and muscle tissue until the VLDL remnants are modified and converted into LDL. The lipoprotein is produced in the liver. According to the company, the VLDL donors are of US origin and have been tested and found to be negative for HbsAg, HCV, HIV-1 and 2, syphilis, and HIV-1 antigen by currently approved FDA methods.

Lee Biosolutions
(314) 968-1091; www.leebio.com


Vitros Rubella IgG Assay

Determines immunity to rubella infection

Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Raritan, NJ, a Johnson & Johnson company, has been given FDA clearance for and made available an assay to aid in the determination of immunity to rubella infection, commonly known as German measles. The Vitros Rubella IgG Assay1 determines if IgG antibodies to the rubella virus are in the blood. The presence of IgG antibodies may indicate a recent or past rubella infection, or that a rubella vaccine has been given and is providing adequate protection. This assay is the eighth infectious-disease assay available for use on the Vitros ECi/ECiQ Immunodiagnostic System in the United States. The system is a simple-to-use, flexible, and fully automated laboratory testing system that provides true continuous, STAT, random access capabilities for routine and specialty immunodiagnostic testing.

Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics
(800) 421-3311; www.orthoclinical.com