[COMPUTERS/IT]
Laboratory Balance Software
Delivers data verbally
Adam Equipment, Danbury, Conn, has released an updated version of its Adam DU software to help achieve seamless data collection and analysis for laboratory balances. DU now contains a speech capability feature that delivers the results of balance readings verbally, allowing scientists and production workers to perform multiple tasks without pausing to monitor the balance display. DU collects information from up to eight Adam balances simultaneously, using RS-232 or USB connections. Real-time graph readings provide visual assessments of progress, while users can collect date, time, and balance identification information on raw data or graphed readings. Adam DU facilitates the export of captured readings to other file formats, including text, csv, html, and xml. Laboratory users can perform statistical analysis on readings and capture custom data, since Adam DU supports up to six additional user-defined data fields. The system also logs and stores calibration reports, allowing complete tracking of calibration records.
Adam Equipment
(203) 790-4774; www.adamequipment.com
[EQUIPMENT]
Immersion Circulator
Suitable for daily lab applications
The LX Immersion Circulator from PolyScience, Niles, Ill, is designed for basic liquid heating applications, facilitating simple temperature control for a variety of day-to-day laboratory activities. Suitable for use in baths as large as 20 liters, the compact unit has a temperature range of ambient +10°C to 98°C and temperature stability of ±0.07°C. Features include a digital readout that displays actual bath temperature and set point temperature simultaneously, a built-in timer, single-speed pump, and heavy-duty mounting clamp that attaches securely to both flat and rounded tank walls. The unit also has a fully integrated housing that prevents direct contact with the pump and heater for safety while ensuring quick access for inspection and cleaning. The LX Immersion Circulator is suitable for use with DIN 12876-1 Class I non-flammable liquids and is compliant with ETL and CE safety requirements.
PolyScience
(800) 229-7569; www.polyscience.com
Wireless Monitors
Protect low-temperature lab equipment
The Smart-Vue wireless monitoring solution from Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, Mass, is designed for use with ultra-low-temperature freezers, blood bank refrigerators, and plasma freezers. The system safeguards the integrity of laboratory storage by providing continuous, real-time monitoring of critical parameters such as temperature, CO2 concentration, and relative humidity along with early warning alerts. Intelligent data logging using globally recognized radio frequency transmissions ensures that data can always be accessed via the web. In the event of a mechanical or electrical failure, Smart-Vue sends an immediate remote notification that sample integrity has been threatened. Delivery options include audible/visual siren, fax, telephone, email, or text messaging.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
(866) 984-3766; www.thermoscientific.com
Chemical-Resistant Fume Hood
Built from flame-retardant resin
AireStream fume hoods from Hemco Corp, Independence, Mo, maximize user protection while providing energy savings. Constructed of chemical-resistant, flame-retardant, nonmetallic composite resin materials, the hood features a unitized design that requires no hardware for assembly and coved corners for easy cleaning. The series is UL 1805-certified and available in widths of 48, 60, 72, and 96 inches in constant air volume or restricted bypass models. The hood is equipped with a 36-inch-high extended view height, a slotted rear VaraFlow baffle system, an aerodynamic sash lift with perforated air-sweep feature, and a molded-in belled outlet collar for reduced airflow resistance. The hoods come with a choice of acid or flammable storage base cabinets. Work surfaces are available in a variety of materials.
Hemco Corp (816) 796-2900; www.hemcocorp.com
[INSTRUMENTATION]
Multi-Analyte Benchtop Analyzer
Recognizes 50 analytes
The CyPlex LS benchtop analyzer from CyVek, Wallingford, Conn, analyzes multiple proteins from a single sample without multiplexing. The multi-analyte immunoassay platform provides the specificity of a traditional single-plex ELISA while incorporating up to eight individual assays in one automated cartridge. The system currently recognizes 50 analytes, with another 200 in development. The physical segregation of each single-plex assay in individual microfluidic channels prevents cross-talk, reducing development time for multi-analyte assays. Integrated software performs the microfluidic assay by automatically controlling volumes, flow rates, and flow patterns. The CyPlex LS uses no onboard fluids, reducing waste and required preventive maintenance.
CyVek
(203) 679-0395; www.CyVek.com
[MISCELLANEOUS SUPPLIES]
CENP-B Antigen
Detects anti-centromere autoantibodies
A recombinant CENP-B antigen is now available from The Binding Site, San Diego. Designed for use as a critical component in ELISA-based test procedures, the antigen can be utilized to detect anti-centromere autoantibodies in human serum. Anti-centromere antibodies are most often found in patients with a form of systemic sclerosis formerly known as CREST syndrome, as well as Raynaud’s phenomenon and other rheumatic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren’s syndrome. CENP-B is generally considered the major centromere antigen. This antigen comprises a full-length, human-sequence protein expressed and purified in Sf9 insect cells. Demonstrating a purity level in excess of 90%, it is available in fill formats of 0.2-mg and 1.0-mg vials.
The Binding Site
(800) 633-4484; www.thebindingsite.com
[TESTING/DIAGNOSTICS]
Comprehensive Gastrointestinal Panel
22 targets
FDA has recently granted market clearance to the FilmArray Gastrointestinal (GI) panel from BioFire, Salt Lake City. The 22-target panel is the most comprehensive gastrointestinal test to be cleared by the agency and contains several pathogens receiving clearance for the first time. The test allows a syndromic approach to the diagnosis of infectious diarrhea by including bacteria, viruses, and parasites in a single panel. The closed system also avoids cross-contamination by integrating sample preparation, amplification, and detection. The FilmArray panel is performed directly from stool in Cary Blair transport media and takes only 2 minutes to set up, producing results in about an hour. BioFire anticipates CE IVD marking of the FilmArray GI panel in late spring of 2014.
BioFire Diagnostics
(800) 735-6544; www.biofiredx.com
Viral Pathogen Molecular Standards
Synthetically produced
Microbiologics Inc, St Cloud, Minn, has expanded its Helix Elite molecular standards with the addition of West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), two globally prevalent viral pathogens that are transmitted by mosquitoes and increasing in geographical distribution. The standards are synthetically produced DNA or RNA controls designed for use as a genetic surrogate for pathogens that are difficult to grow or particularly unsafe to handle. These nonhazardous and quantitated molecular standards may be used for the development, validation, and monitoring of a broad range of laboratory-developed tests or commercial molecular assays and instruments. Helix Elite molecular standards are packaged as a complete kit including one vial of dried synthetic standard and one vial of molecular standard water for rehydration, in addition to comprehensive instructions for use and a certificate of analysis. The product requires minimal preparation time and provides approximately 100 reactions using the recommended dilution series.
Microbiologics Inc
(800) 599-2847; www.microbiologics.com
Strep Assay
Delivers results in 1 hour
The FDA-cleared Lyra Direct Strep Assay kit from Quidel, San Diego, differentiates between pyogenic Group A and pyogenic C or G Streptococcal throat infections. Group A Streptococcus (GAS) are Gram-positive bacteria that reside in the nose, throat, and skin and cause a range of infections, including strep throat. Though less understood than Group A bacteria, Group C and G Streptococcus have been increasingly linked to infections similar to those caused by GAS. The Lyra reagent kit is a multiplex real-time PCR assay designed for use with a laboratory’s existing thermocycler. It includes a ready-to-use master mix; key reagents for refrigerated, non-frozen storage; and an extraction-free, three-step sample preparation process that generates results in just over an hour.
Quidel
(800) 874-1517; www.quidel.com
Clostridium Difficile Test Kit
Identify hospital-associated infection
The artus C. difficile QS-RGQ kit, designed, developed, and manufactured for Qiagen by IMDx (Waltham, Mass), received CE marking in December 2013 for use with the QIAsymphony SP/AS and Rotor-Gene Q instruments from Qiagen. Shortly after, in April 2014, the kit received FDA clearance for sale in the United States. C. difficile is the most common cause of hospital-associated diarrhea and can lead to complications such as pseudomembranous colitis and toxic megacolon when not treated properly. The artus C. difficile QS-RGQ kit detects the presence of toxigenic C. difficile in human liquid or soft stool from patients suspected of having C. difficile-associated disease. The test is intended for direct use on patient samples to assist in diagnosis of infection. The artus C. difficile QS-RGQ kit is distributed by Qiagen.
Qiagen
(661) 702-3000; www.qiagen.com
IMDx
(617) 871-6405; www.intelligentmdx.com
