[AUTOMATION]
Fully Automated Analyzer
For erythrocyte sedimentation rate testing
The iSed system from Alcor Scientific Inc, Smithfield, RI, provides fully automated erythrocyte sedimentation rate testing, delivering accurate results in 20 seconds. Using a blood sample of 100 uL, the system is particularly suited for pediatric and geriatric patients. The analyzer tests samples directly from standard ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid tubes, reducing testing costs as well as contaminated waste. In a controlled environment, quantitative photometry measures the formation of red cell aggregates in the most critical phase of red cell sedimentation. As a result, the patient’s inflammation status is reflected accurately, unaffected by variables such as mixing and temperature. With closed-tube sampling and no required disposables, the system aims to streamline processes and improve safety for clinical laboratorians. Random-access, continuous-feed operation enables throughput of up to 180 samples per hour.
Alcor Scientific
(800) 495-5270; www.alcorscientific.com
Electronically Commutated Motor
Sports a flange size of 42 mm
For laboratory automation applications with size limitations, Nanotec Electronic Inc, Medford, Mass, has developed the PD2-C, an electronically commutated motor with an integrated motor controller and encoder, and a flange size of 42 mm. It is available as a stepper motor with an operating voltage of 12-48 V and a nominal torque of 0.5 Nm, as well as a brushless DC (BLDC) motor with a nominal output of 105 W and a peak output of up to 315 W. A field-oriented controller causes the stepper motor to behave like a high-pole DC servo, with a higher torque but lower nominal speed than a BLDC motor. As a result, many applications can be realized without gearing. The motor controller can be purchased as a standalone unit with a USB connection, with its motors actuated either via clock-direction or by a set value specified on the analog input. The controller also comes in a CANopen version, where motors are actuated via field bus according to the CAN in Automation standard CiA 402. Both versions support application programs executed directly in the motor controller.
Nanotec
(781) 219-3343; us.nanotec.com
[COMPUTERS/IT]
Digital Pathology Software
Provides immunohistochemistry quantification
Definiens, Carlsbad, Calif, has released the latest version of its image analysis software for quantitative digital pathology. Tissue Studio 4.0 provides greater flexibility, more accurate and consistent results, and the ability to use any chromogen for single- and dual-stain immunohistochemistry (IHC) quantification in research applications. By providing morphological fingerprints and biomarker expression profiles on a cell-by-cell basis, the system enables comprehensive and consistent data for any tissue-based assay. Tissue Studio accurately detects regions of interest and distinguishes cell types and cell subtypes within target regions across tissue slides. It also determines morphology and expression profiles according to individual cell or cell compartment. The system supports applications for single or multiplexed IHC, immunofluorescence, and in situ hybridization in the areas of oncology, immunology, angiogenesis, metabolic disorders, toxicology, and others. For research use only.
Definiens
(760) 893-8900; www.definiens.com
[EQUIPMENT]
Duplex Metering Pumps
Serve as valveless alternative
The STH and STQ duplex metering pumps from Fluid Metering Inc, Syosset, NY, are designed for precision mixing, diluting, and proportional metering in original equipment manufacturer medical and analytical instrumentation. Consisting of two valveless pump heads directly coupled to a single variable stepper motor drive, the pumps serve as an alternative to conventional syringe pumps, which require multiple syringes, valves, actuators, and drivers. The displacement of each pump head is independently adjustable. In addition, a variety of pump head sizes can be used together to provide dispensing ratios from 1:1 up to 500:1, in units from microliters to liters. Using the company’s CeramPump valveless piston pumping technology, a sapphire-hard ceramic piston represents the only moving part in the fluid path, performing both pumping and valving functions. The pumps provide continuous fluid dispensing and metering during maintenance-free cycles, within 1% precision, without recalibration. Unlike syringe pump designs that fill and dispense through the same single port, the pumps offer unidirectional continuous flow, increasing throughput by utilizing two separate ports for input and output.
Fluid Metering
(800) 223-3388; www.fluidmetering.com
Rotary Vane Pumps
Eliminate oil leaks
Magnetically coupled rotary vane vacuum pumps from Ulvac, Metheun, Mass, are designed to eliminate oil leaks and minimize shaft seal wear. From the company’s GHD series of products, the pumps perform at a power consumption of 100 W at maximum pressure, with a noise level of just 50 dB. Boasting a small footprint, the pumps measure 120 mm x 289 mm x 163 mm. They are also environmentally friendly and stay cool while being operated, with a stable temperature from 20°C to 30°C. Features include an integrated check valve located below an inlet port, which eliminates oil backflow; and magnetic coupling, which prevents oil leakages from the shaft seal and consequently prolongs pump life. The pumps operate on a 100 V to120 V motor.
Ulvac
(978) 686-7550; www.ulvac.com
Bioprocessing Control Station
Features intelligent sensors
The BioFlo 320 from Eppendorf North America Inc, Hauppauge, NY, is a bench-scale bioprocessing control station that provides autoclavable and single-use vessel flexibility for process customization. The single control platform has a working volume range of 250 mL to 40 L. Features include a packed bed and cell lift impeller for continuous processes, a universal gas control strategy for microbial and cell culture applications, and universal connections for analog or digital Mettler Toledo intelligent sensor management (ISM) sensors. Thermal mass flow controllers for sparge and overlay gas are interchangeable, and high-powered direct and magnetic drive motor assemblies are capable of clockwise and counterclockwise rotation. The station is also equipped with Ethernet communication for multiunit control of up to eight systems, Eppendorf Scada software, and remote monitoring. With a vessel nest for minimum footprint, the compact station allows for left- and right-handed orientations to maximize lab space.
Eppendorf North America
(800) 645-3050; www.eppendorf.com
Colorimetric Scanner
Reads up to 12 microarrays
The SpotWare colorimetric microarray scanner from Arrayit Corp, Sunnyvale, Calif, utilizes an ultra-high sensitivity line-scanning architecture to provide 5 µm to 50 µm scan resolution, 7 log dynamic range, 30 second per cm2 scan times, and 16-bit tiff data, for alkaline phosphatase and horseradish peroxidase microarrays. The scanner has a capacity of 12 standard 25 mm x 76 mm glass substrate slides, and it reads DNA, RNA, protein, antigen, and antibody microarrays. It is also easily programmed to handle different-sized substrates, plates, gels, and blots. Features include a BioBlue computer, rainbow palette data display, intuitive graphical user interface, keyboard, mouse, mouse pad, and cables. The scanner has an adjustable gain function that provides an additional 3 logs of sensitivity, and a unique light path produces zero background with white membrane substrates. Images are importable into any standard microarray analysis software package.
Arrayit Corp
(408) 744-1331; arrayit.com
Tamperproof autoclaves
Equipped with key-lock switch
The QCS H150 front-loading autoclave from Priorclave North America, Troy, Mich, combines a secure key-lock and one-touch push-button controls to offer controlled access to parameter settings. The 150 L laboratory autoclave has a stainless steel sterilizing chamber with a 500 mm diameter that can be accessed through a wide door opening for easy loading. With a secure key-lock switch that governs access to parameter settings, the autoclave allows three levels of authorization: pre-set, intermediary, and master level. In addition, single push-buttons on an intuitive Tactrol 2 microprocessor control panel enable precise control of the sterilizing process. Users can step through settings of temperature and time in accordance with best practices for specified loads. The microprocessor also keeps a log of such sterilizing cycle data as temperature, pressure, and time. Built to international standards, the autoclave incorporates epoxy-coated panels and frame members treated with an antimicrobial agent that is effective against bacteria and fungi.
Priorclave North America
800-748-1459; www.priorclavena.com
Portable Indoor Air Quality Monitor
Tests up to 11 parameters
The AQ Expert from E Instruments International, Langhorne, Pa, is a portable indoor air quality monitor for up to 11 parameters that can be customized to the user’s needs. Featuring real-time data logging, the air quality monitor can measure air velocity, barometric air pressure, CO, CO2, formaldehyde, H2S, NO/NOx, NO2, O2, O3, relative humidity, SO2, temperature, and volatile organic compounds. Designed and made in the United States, the unit features PC software, wireless Bluetooth technology, and optional wireless printing, and includes a Li-ion rechargeable battery, dual-temperature test-clock inputs, a swivel handle, an active internal sampling pump, and an optional handheld probe. According to the company, the monitor is lightweight, durable, and is equipped with a large internal memory.
E Instruments International
(215) 750-1212; www.E-Inst.com
[MISCELLANEOUS]
Mini Bleach Towelettes
Saturated with a 1:10 dilution of sodium hypochlorite
Mini Hype-Wipe bleach towelettes from Current Technologies Inc, Crawfordsville, Ind, disinfect coagulation devices in one step. Individually packaged, the 3 inch x 3 inch towelettes are saturated with a 1:10 dilution of sodium hypochlorite and stabilized with a detergent. The towelettes boast a 1-minute kill time for carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, hepatitis B and C, multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecium, norovirus, pseudomonas, respiratory syncytial virus, rotavirus, salmonella, Streptococcus pyogenes, tuberculosis, and other pathogens. The wipes claim a 2-minute kill time against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus aureus, and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, and a 4-minute kill time for C. difficile spores. Expiration dates are stamped on every wipe. The wipes are designed for use on hard, nonporous surfaces, such as baked enamel, glass, glazed ceramic tile, linoleum, plastics, and Plexiglass. Follow equipment manufacturers’ directions for use on stainless steel.
Current Technologies
(765) 364-0490; currtechinc.com
Quick-Disconnect Couplings
Simplify connection options
Colder Products Company, St. Paul, Minn, has expanded its NS1 series of quick-disconnect couplings with options to simplify connections on the face of equipment and devices. The couplings feature non-spill shutoff valves that ensure drip-free disconnects, and a dry-break design that ensures ultra-low air inclusion. As a result, contaminants and air bubbles are minimized or eliminated. An intuitive, ergonomic thumb latch informs users that a reliable connection has been made. Couplings are constructed from polypropylene and polyether ether ketone materials that ensure reliable strength and chemical compatibility for a wide range of applications. Available for precise applications with tubing sizes 1/8-inch and smaller, the quick-disconnect couplings are suited for applications in medical devices and in vitro diagnostics, including reagent handling systems.
Colder Products Company
(800) 444-2474; cpcworldwide.com
Pipette Tip Packaging
Offers stackable boxes for limited lab space
Sartorius Corp, Bohemia, NY, has introduced the FlexiBulk concept for packaging pipette tips. Compared with conventional bulk tip packages, stackable FlexiBulk boxes occupy less space and cut packaging waste, reducing laboratories’ transportation costs and carbon footprints. Providing quick “pick and place” convenience for loading tips into tip racks or attaching directly to pipettes, the FlexiBulk system produces significant time savings over randomly packed bulk packages. Tips are certified as free of RNase, DNase, and endotoxins. They are produced and packaged under International Organization for Standardization class 8 cleanroom conditions, and their manufacturing process is fully automated, therefore reducing the potential for contamination. Additionally, the lid of the FlexiBulk box holds an airtight seal, ensuring cleanliness of the tips during transportation and storage. The compact boxes, which are made of recyclable, durable polyethylene material, can be stacked, without the need for outer cardboard boxes. Tips in FlexiBulk packs fit Sartorius pipettes, as well as most other pipette brands. The FlexiBulk packs cover a tip volume range from 0.5 ?l to 1,200 ?l.
Sartorius
(800) 368-7178; www.sartorius.us
[TESTING/DIAGNOSTICS]
Fully Automated Vitamin D Kit
Measures total 25-hydroxyvitamin D in human serum
Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc, Hercules, Calif, has launched the BioPlex 2200 25-OH vitamin D kit for use on the company’s BioPlex 2200 system. The flow-competitive immunoassay allows for quantitative measurement of total 25-hydroxyvitamin D in human serum. Responding to growth in the vitamin D testing market over the past several years, the company seeks to provide a fully automated method of detecting vitamin D deficiency, which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, and cancer, according to studies. The kit is the latest in Bio-Rad’s line of autoimmune and infectious disease assays for use on the BioPlex 2200 system, a fully automated, random access multiplex testing system designed to conserve patient sample volume, consolidate workstations, and simplify workflow.
Bio-Rad
(800) 224-6723; www.bio-rad.com
Group B Strep Test
Capable of lowplex and multiplex targets
Great Basin Scientific Inc, Salt Lake City, has released a group B Streptococcus (GBS) molecular diagnostic test. Providing accurate results in approximately 90 minutes with a specimen from enriched Lim broth, Great Basin’s molecular assay targets a highly conserved region of the CAMP factor gene cfb. Targeting the region leads to definitive identification and a faster diagnosis of the mother’s GBS colonization status when compared to standard culture-based testing, which may take up to an additional 48 hours. As a result, the new GBS test enables physicians to make timely therapeutic decisions to prevent the spread of the disease to the infant during delivery. Capable of both lowplex and multiplex targets, Great Basin’s integrated cartridge system enables providers to diagnose and define a clear treatment path sooner for improved patient outcomes, shorter hospital stays, and significant cost savings.
Great Basin Scientific
(888) 360-4022; www.gbscience.com
Multiplexed PCR Assay
Quantifies absolute copy numbers of genomic DNA
The Quantidex DNA assay from Asuragen, Austin, Tex, is a multiplexed quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay that measures the absolute copy number of PCR-amplifiable DNA in a sample and reports PCR inhibition. The assay determines the functional quality of sample DNA using a quantitative functional index (QFI) score, designating the fraction of total genomic DNA copies that can be successfully amplified. Together, the QFI score and amplifiable copy number provide actionable guidance that informs the input requirements for next-generation sequencing target enrichment and helps ensure a high level of analytical sensitivity and specificity. In addition, the assay flags PCR inhibitors in the sample and provides an opportunity to salvage such samples through a subsequent cleanup step prior to further processing.
Asuragen
(877) 777-1874; asuragen.com
