[Automation]

Grenova TipNovus_crop640Pipette Cleaning System
Supports reusability
The TipNovus high-throughput automated pipette tip cleaning system from Grenova LLC, Richmond, Va, enables laboratories to recycle sanitized tips safely and thereby reduce waste. TipNovus affords labs the opportunity to reuse plastic pipette tips several times, dramatically cutting associated consumables costs. Once tips have been reused the maximum number of times, a number that is governed by the individual laboratory, they can be washed once more and recycled. A full TipNovus system consists of a control box, washer, dryer, and reagent reservoirs that permit labs to load up to 384 tips at a time for an automated wash. The company also offers custom software for users to build and tailor their own wash protocol and download them to the system. Lab personnel can then access wash methods through an intuitive touch screen on the control box.
Grenova
(804) 325-1354; www.grenovasolutions.com

[Computers/IT]

Technidata_microwellplate_genetics_HD_crop640Molecular Genetics Software
Manages microwell plates for DNA sequencing
Technidata, Montbonnot, France, has launched the third version of its TD-Genet software, which responds to the specific needs of chromosomal and molecular genetics laboratories and clinical genetics departments. It enables users to automate, standardize, and industrialize their processes—defining plate plans using a graphical user interface—and to display the genetic mutations identified for each well. The software uses standard HL7 communications protocols, so it interfaces with, and can be integrated into, existing healthcare systems. Transfer of results to hospital information systems or to patients’ electronic health records can only be done with consent. User rights can be finely tuned to permit only authorized personnel to view results. The software offers all the functionality needed for the entire process, from managing appointments and patient consent to extracting statistics, passing through clinical review, and reporting results.
Technidata
(855) 550-5705; www.technidata-web.com

[Equipment]

Arrayit_SpotBotPersonal Microarrayer
Features patented contact printing
SpotBot 4 personal microarrayers from Arrayit Corp, Sunnyvale Calif, feature patented contact printing technology that is installed in more than 4,200 laboratories around the world. The microarrayers facilitate desktop manufacturing of microarrays using amplicons, antibodies, antigens, bacterial artificial chromosomes, carbohydrates, cell extracts, DNA, lipids, oligonucleotide peptides, small molecules, and whole cells, for such applications as gene expression, genotyping, protein binding, and protein expression profiling. The microarrayer systems include a BioBlue personal computer with LED display, keyboard, mouse, mouse pad, cables, and accessories for easy installation. Available options include a protein edition, a “HotBot” heated edition, humidity control, megasonic pin cleaning, extended warranty coverage, and a vision system.
Arrayit Corp
(408) 744-1331; arrayit.com

Hemco MicroFlow ISelf-Contained Workstation
Collects nonhazardous fumes and particulates
The MicroFlow I workstation from Hemco Corp, Independence, Mo, is designed to collect small amounts of nonhazardous fumes and particulate. Self-contained and easily moved from station to station, the unit comes with an integral recessed work surface to contain spills. A clear hood surrounds the workstation, which is equipped with a safety viewing sash that can be configured for use with a microscope. A variable-speed fan control offers options for high and medium speeds, or low flow for sensitive operations. The workstation operates on 115 V AC, or 230 V international current, and conforms to UL, CSA, and CE mark requirements. Features include an electrical cord port with a left-side exit, a filter, and a change-filter indicator. Recommended filter change is every 60 to 90 days, with filter life varying with usage.
Hemco Corp
(800) 779-4362; www.hemcocorp.com

E Instruments_AQ Pro-VOCHandheld Monitor
Accurate VOC measurement
E Instruments, Langhorne, Pa, has released a handheld air quality monitor that can measure close to 400 volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The model AQ VOC monitor offers users the option of selecting a 0 ppb to 20,000 ppb or 0 ppm to 200 ppm sensor range. The handheld device can read barometric air pressure, differential pressure, relative humidity, and temperature. It is also upgradeable, with the option to add formaldehyde for a complete VOC analysis. Lightweight, compact, and durable, the standard model is equipped with a large internal memory and real-time data-logging functionality. Included are an active internal sampling pump, magnetic rubber boot, Bluetooth technology, lithium-ion rechargeable battery, PC software, and USB port.
E Instruments
(215) 750-1212, www.e-inst.com

Eppendorf_Mastercycler_nexus_X2Low-Power Multiblock Solution
Enables simultaneous PCR runs
The Mastercycler Nexus X2 instrument from Eppendorf North America, Hauppauge, NY, provides a multiblock solution for simultaneous polymerase chain reaction (PCR) runs. The instrument comprises two asymmetric blocks, consisting of 64 and 32 wells, which can be programmed and run independently, enabling two separate PCR protocols to run in parallel. With noise emission of less than 40 dB, low power consumption, and a small footprint, the Mastercycler Nexus X2 is suitable for use in any institution with multiple users. In comparison to other dual-block cyclers, the Mastercycler Nexus X2 enables users to run procedures using a large number of samples without taking up a large amount of bench space.
Eppendorf North America
(800) 645-3050; www.eppendorfna.com

Torrey Pines Scientific_EchoTherm_500Programmable Personal Incubator
Designed for benchtop use
The EchoTherm Model IC25XR from Torrey Pines Scientific, Carlsbad, Calif, is a fully programmable, personal incubator that can serve as a heater, chiller, or freezer for use on the benchtop with a wide range of samples. The unit can run temperature profiles, unattended restriction digestions or ligations, and automatic enzyme reactions and deactivations. It can also store oocytes at 17°C, store DNA and enzyme libraries at the users’ workstation, and replace ice buckets. Featuring five-program memory with a capacity of 10 steps per program, the incubator has a temperature range from –10°C to 110°C. It also sports a 30-day countdown timer with audible alarm, data logger, and RS232 I/O port. The unit offers individual accessory sample blocks available for 0.2, 0.5, 1.5, 15, and 50 mL centrifuge tubes, polymerase chain reaction tubes, 2 mL vials, 96-well and 384-well assay plates of all shapes, and other blocks for various sizes of test tubes.
Torrey Pines Scientific
(866) 573-9104; www.torreypinesscientific.com

[Instrumentation]

Applikon iLine F_640In-line Suspension Cell-Monitoring Microscope
Monitors cell viability in real time
The iLine F from Ovizio Imaging Systems, Brussels, Belgium, is an in-line suspension cell-monitoring microscope that uses a quantitative imaging technique based on differential digital holographic microscopy. Distributed by Applikon Biotechnology, Foster City, Calif, the microscope monitors cell viability and cell density in real time, and records aggregate data with up to 16 morphologic parameters. Automated technology offers increased insight into the cell culture process by continuously collecting quantitative data, providing reproducible, reliable results. The label-free, noninvasive unit does not require sampling or staining, or produce toxic waste. It is connected to a bioreactor via a disposable fluidics probe, avoiding sample consumption and reducing the risk of contamination.
Applikon Biotechnology
(650) 578-1396; www.applikonbio.com

[Miscellaneous supplies]

Microbiologics_Inactived Controls_640Inactivated Extraction Controls
Used for validation, verification of molecular assays
Microbiologics Inc, St. Cloud, Minn, has expanded its line of Helix Elite molecular standards with the addition of inactivated extraction controls. The fully intact process controls are used for validation, verification, proficiency testing, and quality control of molecular assays. FDA-cleared and CE-marked in vitro diagnostic medical devices for use in clinical laboratories, the non-viable viral and bacterial targets are produced in the form of lyophilized pellets, which are shipped and stored at room temperature. The quick-dissolving pellets may be reconstituted in relevant buffers or transport media and then processed using the same protocols as the patient sample. Respiratory and gastrointestinal targets are available immediately, with additional respiratory and sexually transmitted disease targets being added throughout the year.
Microbiologics
(800) 599-2847; microbiologics.com

Binding Site_anti-human blood protein antibodies 640Anti-Human Blood Protein Antibodies
Lot-to-lot consistency
A new line of anti-human blood protein antibodies is now available from the Binding Site, San Diego. Displaying high degrees of purity, shelf life stability, and lot-to-lot consistency, available antibodies include those against human acute-phase reactants, coagulation proteins, complement, immunoglobulins, and other blood proteins such as albumin, prealbumin, and transferrin. All are available in an unconjugated format that may be conjugated to biotin, fluorescein-isothiocyanate (FITC), horseradish peroxidase (HRP), and rhodamine. A number of the antibodies are available from the Binding Site already preconjugated to HRP, FITC, or both. The antibodies are offered in an operator-oriented standard packaging size of 1.0 mL. Customer-distinct and bulk packaging configurations are also available.
The Binding Site
(800) 633-4484; www.thebindingsite.com

Audit_FD LipidsLinearity Set of Lipid Controls
For Roche clinical chemistry systems
Audit MicroControls Inc, Eatonton, Ga, has expanded its line of calibration verification and linearity controls with the Linearity FD set of lipid controls for Roche systems. The set of controls is designed to simulate human serum samples for determining linearity, calibration verification, and verification of the reportable range for quantitative assays performed on Roche clinical chemistry analyzers. The Linearity FD set is lyophilized, consisting of five levels that demonstrate a linear relationship to each other when assayed for apolipoprotein A, apolipoprotein B, cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. The controls have an open-vial stability of 5 days when stored at 2°C to 8°C.
Audit MicroControls
(866) 252-8348; www.auditmicro.com

Worthington Bio_CaofGradient_crop640Animal- and Xeno-Free Enzymes
Reduce contamination risk
Worthington Biochemical Corp, Lakewood, NJ, has introduced several new grades of collagenase; recombinant nucleases DNase I and RNases A, T1, and T2; and the neutral protease, dispase. All enzymes are certified animal- and xeno-free to minimize contamination risks for bovine spongiform encephalopathy, transmissible spongiform encephalopathy, and mammalian viruses associated with bovine and other animal-sourced enzymes when used for primary and stem cell isolation, bioprocessing, and other biopharmacy-related applications. The plant- and fungal-sourced proteases are available in research and bulk quantities. The enzymes meet the required industry documentation from raw material sources through final product release, and all enzymes are produced under good manufacturing practice guidelines in Worthington’s ISO 9001 certified facility.
Worthington Biochemical
(800) 445-9603; www.worthington-biochem.com

Cerilliant_Antifungal standardsInternal Standards
Provide quantitation of antifungal drugs
Cerilliant Corp, Round Rock, Texas, has released stable-labeled internal standards of the antifungal agents fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole at 1.0 mg/mL concentrations. Cerilliant offers a full selection of certified reference materials for quantitation of the most common antifungal drugs in serum or plasma by mass spectrometry-based analytical methods. Deuterium or carbon-13 substitutions of each internal standard conserve a minimum [M+3] separation from the unlabeled drug in the major ion fragments used in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry antifungal therapeutic drug monitoring applications and metabolism studies. The reference materials are suitable for use in clinical and diagnostic testing labs; hospitals; and bioanalytical, pharmacokinetics, and drug metabolism labs.
Cerilliant
(800) 848-7837; www.cerilliant.com

[Testing/diagnostics]

Diasorin_Liaison Vitamin D assay 640Vitamin D Test
65-minutes to first result
The 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D assay from DiaSorin, Saluggia, Italy, is available on the company’s Liaison XL analyzer. DiaSorin’s new assay eliminates an up-front extraction step, providing higher throughput and a faster time-to-first-result of 65 minutes. The chemiluminescent immunoassay quantitatively determines 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid plasma, lithium heparin plasma, and serum. It enables laboratories with Liaison XL analyzers to run the company’s 25-OH vitamin D total assay, N-Tact parathyroid hormone Gen II assay, and 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D assay together on one instrument utilizing a single serum sample tube.
DiaSorin
(800) 328-1482; www.diasorin.com

Bio-Medical Products_Urinalysis_600Urinalysis Transport System
Preserves specimens
Bio-Medical Products Corp, Mendham, NJ, offers color-coded, clear 10 mL plastic tubes with screw caps and a conical bottom for urine sediment analysis after dipstick chemistries analysis. The tubes are suited for leak-free transport of urine specimens from off-site clinics to main reference laboratories. Urine for urinalysis, culture, and special chemistry can be placed into transport tubes containing a specially formulated tartaric acid and sodium acetate tablet. The preservative enables specimen transport without the need for refrigeration for 24 hours to 48 hours, while maintaining the integrity of the specimen. Optimizing handling time, users can fit tubes directly inside lab centrifuges without having to pour from one vessel to another. Tubes are packaged in cases of 500.
Bio-Medical Products
(800) 543-7427; www.biomedicalproductscorp.com