[AUTOMATION]
Automated Pipetting System
Optical sensor checks
The epMotion range of automated pipetting systems from Eppendorf North America Inc, Hauppauge, NY, now offers five new models to provide a precise, accurate alternative to manual pipetting and liquid handling tasks. The epMotion 5075 systems combine accelerated operational speed, new software and hardware features, and an increased number of worktable positions. The epBlue software and a new software assistant support simple programming to ensure a short user learning curve. A CleanCap option, including UV light decontamination and a HEPA filter for purified air, ensure decontamination and sample safety. An optical sensor checks labware, liquid levels, tip counts, and type at the start of each cycle, decreasing the risk of error during the run.
Eppendorf North America Inc
(800) 645-3050; www.eppendorfna.com
Walk-Away Specimen Processor
Mimics lab tech workflow
The WASP Walk-Away Specimen Processor from Copan Diagnostics, Murrieta, Calif, is designed to reduce setup time and maximize throughput by providing a comprehensive system that encompasses all aspects of automated specimen processing, planting and streaking, Gram slide preparation, and enrichment broth inoculation. Designed modularly to extend the life of the system, the WASP processor individualizes sample processing by imitating the workflow performed by lab technicians on a bench. The benchtop design prevents instrument contamination, while a built-in image recording verification system and Smart Scan technology ensure accuracy and reliability.
Copan Diagnostics
(800) 216-4016; www.copanusa.com
[COMPUTERS/IT]
Diagnostic Pathology Information System
Specimen tracking across labs
The SoftPathDx diagnostic pathology support system from SCC Soft Computer, Clearwater, Fla, provides data capture and a customizable, client-configurable reporting and workflow structure for anatomic pathology and cytology. The information management solution enables users to share specimens among other labs, allowing for integrated result and specimen tracking across multiple labs. Auto-reflex testing eliminates manual errors and reduces turnaround time, while detailed specimen tracking reduces risk of misplaced or lost samples. The test-specific reporting capability consolidates test results from various sources into a single patient’s clinical history file, facilitating a faster diagnosis and increasing the quality of patient care. Flexible reporting templates include prepopulated and freeform text, complex data, and images.
SCC Soft Computer
(800) 763-8352; www.softcomputer.com
LIS Custom Report Add-On
Enables data mining
AgileBio, New York, has released a complimentary add-on for existing customers of its LabCollector laboratory information system. Query Builder is a visual database query designer that enables users to create custom data reports and exports using information stored in LabCollector. The LabCollector system is suited for academic and private laboratories in the life sciences, chemistry, and other sectors. The addition of Query Builder will expand the system’s data mining capabilities and allows complete or partial extraction of LabCollector records registered in the different modules. Queries can be saved for regular reporting such as annual reports and stock inventories. The generated reports are available in Excel or PDF format. Query Builder is available to existing LabCollector customers free of charge in 2014.
AgileBio
(800) 453-9128; www.agilebio.com
[EQUIPMENT]
Bidirectional Temperature Controller
For heating and cooling applications
The 5R7-388 RoHS-compliant temperature controller from Oven Industries, Mechanicsburg, Pa, offers bidirectional control for independent thermoelectric modules or in conjunction with auxiliary or supplemental resistive heaters for both cooling and heating applications. The “H” bridge configuration of the solid state MOSFET output devices allows for the bidirectional flow of current through the thermoelectric modules. The PC-programmable controller includes 36V DC output; a PC-configurable alarm circuit; proportional (P), integral (I), and derivative (D) control that can be selected as P, PI, PD, or PID, as well as on/off with adjustable hysteresis. Input voltage is 12 to 28 volts DC; output load rating is 0.1 to 25 amperes.
Oven Industries
(877) 766-6836; www.ovenind.com
Precision Pipette
Dispenses 100 times without refill
The Repeater M4 pipette from Eppendorf North America Inc, Hauppauge, NY, minimizes the time and effort required to maintain precision during repeat dispensing tasks. Compatible with nine sizes of the company’s Combitips, the Repeater M4 can dispense volumes from 1 µL to 10 mL and completes as many as 100 operations without refill. A built-in sensor detects the Combitips automatically, displaying the tip volume and eliminating the need for manual volume calculations. In addition, the new central Combitip ejector supports one-handed operation for contact-free tip ejection that avoids any risk of contamination. The pipette is ideal for applications involving 96-well plates.
Eppendorf North America Inc
(800) 645-3050; www.eppendorfna.com
IHC Workstation
Reduces operator variability
The Microlab Immunostain Nimbus workstation from Hamilton Robotics, Reno, Nev, is suitable for automated immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) applications. The workstation accepts multiple slide configurations and staining kit brands for error-free operation. The Immunostain Nimbus can process up to 24 slides at once and supports single-color and multi-color IHC and ISH kits, reducing reagent use and reducing operator-to-operator variability. It can also process slides for conventional light microscopy, and comes with two washing options: automated pipetting or a tilt module. A software wizard provides systematic instructions for slide setup and reagent processing, which can be adapted to various requirements.
Hamilton Robotics
(800) 648-5950; www.hamiltonrobotics.com
[INSTRUMENTATION]
HPLC Columns
Expand analytical capabilities
A new line of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) columns from Diamond Analytics, Orem, Utah, helps expand the existing range of analytical capabilities in separation science. Composed of a solid, spherical carbon core and a porous nano-diamond shell, Flare columns provide a stationary phase that permits lab scientists and technicians to perform separations not possible on a standard silica C18 column. The composite material creates a permeable, stable particle that can tolerate high temperatures and high pH separation conditions. Nano-diamonds also have a much higher thermal conductivity when compared to silica. As a result, Flare columns offer expanded pH range capability (2–13), elevated temperature ranges (up to 100°C), increased longevity, and novel selectivity without compromising efficiency.
Diamond Analytics
(801) 235-9001; www.diamond-analytics.com
[MISCELLANEOUS]
Lens Magnifier and Stand
Swivels up to 180°
The TaskVision fresnel lens page magnifier and stand from Vision USA, Cherry Hill, NJ, is ideal for inspection, laboratory work, and computer screen enlargement. Made of ophthalmic acrylic, the lens measures 10 inches x 12 inches, provides magnification 2x or greater, and can be turned horizontally or vertically. A coated clip holds the lens in place and can swivel up to 180°. The lens also comes with a fully adjustable neck that can be bent to suit any task and a secure, weighted base to prevent tipping over. A coated finish eliminates tarnishing.
Vision USA
(800) 257-5782; www.visionusasupplies.com
Ceiling-Mounted Air Filtration Units
Protect against hazardous substances
Purair Sky filtration units from Air Science, Fort Myers, Fla, protect laboratory personnel in environments where hazardous substances are handled. A filtration chamber and sliding filter clamp enable quick filter changes. Designed with the Air Science multiplex filtration system and enhanced filtration technology, the units come with an epoxy-coated steel support frame with LED lighting and wall-mounted controls. Available in two sizes: the Sky-24 requires an opening of 22.75 inches x 22.75 inches, while the Sky-48 requires an opening of 45.5 inches x 22.75 inches.
Air Science
(800) 306-0656; www.airscience.com
Disinfectant Spray and Bleach Towelettes
Kills H1N1 in 1 minute
Bleach-Rite disinfecting spray and Hype-Wipe bleach towelettes from Current Technologies Inc, Crawfordsville, Ind, kill influenza A H1N1 in 1 minute. Containing at least 0.525% bleach at a 1:10 dilution, the hospital-grade disinfectants are EPA-registered and stabilized for long-term storage. Both can be used on several nonporous surfaces including glass, plastic, linoleum, and stainless steel. Together, the spray and wipes are approved to kill organisms including C. difficile; Acinetobacter baumannii; E. coli; hepatitis A, B, and C; norovirus; and HIV-1. Full-size Hype-Wipe towelettes are 6 inches x 12 inches with enough solution to wipe down a 40-square-foot area. Bleach-Rite is available in 16- and 32-ounce bottles with sprayers, as well as half-gallon and gallon bottles.
Current Technologies Inc
(800) 456-4022; www.currtechinc.com
Petri-Plate Packaging Materials
Extend shelf life
New research has confirmed that packaging materials from NanoLogix, Hubbard, Ohio, can significantly extend the shelf life of petri plates, offering new possibilities for the manufacture and storage of agar-filled petri dishes. When sealed in the company’s patented FlatPack packaging for 19 months, the company’s Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA) plates performed as well as a competitor’s week-old plates. Traditionally, agar-filled petri plates have been manufactured at regional locations near the end user to avoid potential breakage in transit. NanoLogix petri-based products can be stored at room temperature for months or more, reducing energy requirements and allowing for production and distribution from a central location.
NanoLogix
(330) 534-0800; www.nanologix.com
Protein Removal Plates
Increased sensitivity for LC-MS/MS analysis
The Isolute PLD+ protein and phospholipid removal plates from Biotage, Charlotte, NC, provide sample clean-up for blood-based matrix samples for LC-MS/MS analysis. Using a solvent crash/filter process, the plates incorporate a phospholipid scavenging sorbent layer, which removes phospholipids from the sample during the filtration step. Isolute PLD+ plates remove more than 99% of plasma proteins and phospholipids, leading to cleaner extracts and increased sensitivity for a broad range of analytes. Plates can be processed using 96-well compatible positive pressure manifolds, vacuum manifolds, and most automated liquid handling systems. Typical sample volumes of 100 to 200 µL can be processed.
Biotage
(800) 446-4752; www.biotage.com
[TESTING/DIAGNOSTICS]
Cancer Mutation Monitoring Test
Noninvasive, urine-based BRAF test
This cell-free BRAF test for cancer mutation monitoring from Trovagene Inc, San Diego, detects the BRAF V600E mutation from cell-free DNA in urine. This mutation commonly occurs in melanoma and other common cancer types. Of the more than 70,000 cases of melanoma diagnosed each year in the United States, up to 70% harbor a BRAF-type mutation. Of these, 80% may be positive for BRAF V600E. The assay monitors this mutation in metastatic cancer patients with biopsy-proven V600E BRAF mutation in their tumor. By using a noninvasive, systemic sample, clinicians can avoid traditional biopsy methods that may lead to patient complications and high costs.
Trovagene
(858) 952-7570; www.trovagene.com
Molecular Influenza Test
Diagnoses flu in minutes
A new molecular diagnostic test from Alere, Waltham, Mass, is the first to detect and differentiate the influenza A and B viruses in less than 15 minutes. Designed for a point-of-care environment, the Alere i may help prevent unnecessary prescribing of antibiotics and antiviral medications due to misdiagnosis. Molecular tests extract and analyze DNA or RNA strands to identify sequences linked to viral and bacterial infections. Using proprietary isothermal nucleic acid amplification technology (iNAT), the Alere i delivers results more quickly than traditional polymerase chain reaction testing, which requires temperature cycling that can slow the delivery of results. It is commercially available in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK.
Alere
(781) 647-3900; www.alere.com
Transfection Reagent
Efficient DNA transfer
ViaFect transfection reagent from Promega Corp, Madison, Wis, enables efficient DNA transfer into a wide variety of cell lines, including suspension cells and stem cell-derived lines. This low-toxicity reagent allows cells to stay healthy and metabolically active during transfection-based experiments—even at low cell densities—facilitating experiments where extended application of a treatment is needed. Using a three-step protocol, ViaFect transfection reagent requires minimal optimization, without removal of serum or culture medium or washing after introduction of the reagent/DNA complex. ViaFect transfection reagent contains no animal-derived components.
Promega Corp
(800) 356-9526; www.promega.com
Syphilis Blood Analyzer
First nontreponemal analyzer for donor screening
The AsiManager-AT syphilis analyzer from Arlington Scientific, Springville, Utah, has received FDA clearance from the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research for rapid plasma reagin (RPR) interpretation and screening of blood donors. The development marks the first nontreponemal analyzer cleared for blood donor screening. The ASiManager-AT is intended for use as an integrated digital particle analyzer to interpret the ASI RPR Card Test for syphilis. It provides standardized test interpretation as well as storage, retrieval, and transmission of RPR test results. While automated treponemal enzyme and chemiluminescence immunoassays (EIA/CIA) can yield false-positive results, the AsiManager-AT can help ensure that blood donations remain safe and are not discarded needlessly.
Arlington Scientific Inc
(800) 654-0146; www.arlingtonscientific.com
