EQUIPMENT


Microplate Dispenser

Solution for 6- to 1,536-well plates
The new MultiFlo FX Microplate Dispenser from BioTek, Winooski, Vt, offers up to four independent BioTek MultiFloFXreagent dispensers and a washer in one compact and modular platform to simplify and automate microplate-based, liquid-handling processes. It can be used with 6- to 1,536-well plates and incorporates Parallel Dispense technologies, which allow a choice of peristaltic- or syringe-pump dispensing. This choice of dispensing technologies allows reagent conservation and unattended operation down to 500 nL. A wash module adds multipurpose functionality and uses a dual-action manifold for independent aspirate/dispense control. The dispenser is suited for cell-based assays, bead-based assays, ELISAs, primary and secondary screening, compound storage, and more.
BioTek Instruments Inc
(888) 451-5171; www.biotek.com

New Lab Balances
Available in 12 models
Sartorius, Bohemia, NY, has released a new laboratory balance, the Quintix. Twelve different models are available, with weighing capacities ranging from 120 g to 5,100 g, and readabilities extending from 0.1 mg Sartorius Quintix Applicationto 1 g. All applications are displayed on the touchscreen and can be selected even when the user is wearing lab gloves. The balance guides users step by step through each weighing process, preventing operating errors. Built-in applications include weighing in percent, weighing under unstable conditions and weighing components; counting, mixing, checkweighing; peak hold to determine the highest measurement in a series; density determination; and statistics and conversion. The isoCAL combined calibration and adjustment function alerts users whenever a defined time or temperature limit has been exceeded and adjusts the balance automatically using an internal weight.
Sartorius
(800) 368-7178; www.sartorius.com

Expanded Balance Offerings
New high-capacity models
OHAUS Corp, Parsippany, NJ, is expanding its Explorer series of analytical and precision balances with new models, including high-capacity balances, traditional external-calibration precision models, and OHAUSanalytical models with automatic draftshield doors. The high-capacity models range in capacity/readability from 12 kg to 35 kg x 0.1 g to support applications requiring more extensive volume than typical lab needs. The three high-capacity models offer the same features as the analytical and precision models, plus added features that enhance this type of weighing, including 2D protection that safeguards the balance from shock and damage associated with movement, and IP54 protection that guards against damage from dust and particles. A die-cast metal base, 377- x 311-mm stainless steel pan, and thick metal housing add another level of protection.
OHAUS Corp
(973) 377-9000; www.ohaus.com

Multi-Slide Gram Stainer
Each slide is automatically stained, decolorized, and counter-stained
The MGS-80 from GG&B Company, Wichita Falls, Tex, uses a technology that produces very high-quality GGandB MGS-80-9-13stain results that are consistent and easy to read. The decolorization process works equally as well on thick and thin specimens. The patented electronic eye precisely decolorizes every slide, regardless of sample type. Each slide is automatically stained, decolorized, and counter-stained, and dried at a rate of 80 slides per hour. The unit features an automatic cleaning cycle and internal diagnostic software for recording all critical data.
GG&B Company
(800) 295-9588; www.quickslide.com

New Benchtop Centrifuges
Beckman Allegra X-5High throughput in a small footprint
The Allegra X-5 air-cooled benchtop centrifuge from Beckman Coulter Life Sciences, Indianapolis, is designed specifically for clinical sample preparation. The energy-efficient unit offers the performance, reliability, and endurance under exacting circumstances for which this line is known. Bundled packages, which include swinging bucket rotors and common adapters, enable fast and convenient setup, and are available for a range of clinical sample prep applications.
Beckman Coulter Inc
(800) 526-3821; www.beckmancoulter.com

New Line of Microscopes
Features include trinocular camera and video mounts
Denville Scientific, Metuchen, NJ, introduces a new line of Denville Scope-Slidemicroscopes and microscope slides. The selection includes basic and advanced models, as well as Epi-Fluorescence and Stereo-Zoom models. Features include trinocular camera and video mounts. A wide range of objectives is available, including Achromat, Semi-Plan, and Plan Achromat. All microscopes include a 5-year mechanical warranty.
Denville Scientific
(800) 453-0385; www.denvillescientific.com

INSTRUMENTATION

 

Integrated Slide Processing System
sysmex DI60Scalable automation of manual blood film prep
The DI-60 Integrated Slide Processing System from Sysmex America Inc, Lincolnshire, Ill, is a compact platform that provides integrated, scalable automation of the manual blood film preparation and WBC differential process. It integrates slide preparation, slide staining, and digital image preclassification of cells in a single work cell. A more standardized differential result and extensive collaboration via network connectivity enhances the level of service labs can provide to clinicians and patients.
Sysmex America Inc
(847) 996-4500; www.sysmex.com

Bacteria- and Yeast-Detecting Mass Spec System
Detects organisms in minutes
The VITEK MS from bioMérieux, Durham, NC, is its first clinical mass spectrometry MALDI-TOF-based system available in the United States for rapid identification of disease-causing bacteria and yeast. The system biomerieux VITEK MS Instrumentcan detect organisms in minutes. The Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight mass spectrometer (MALDI-TOF-MS) analyzes material from microbial cultures to provide organism identification. Samples are submitted to multiple laser shots inside the system. The matrix absorbs the laser light and vaporizes, along with the sample, in the process gaining an electrical charge. Electric fields then guide the ions into a vacuum tube, which separates them according to their weight, with the smaller molecules rising up the column faster than the larger molecules. This creates a series of peaks, which correspond with the different molecules contained in the organism from the sample. All of these peaks create spectra unique to that microorganism. By comparing the spectra to a library, the precise microorganism can be easily identified.
bioMérieux
(800) 968-9494; www.biomerieux-usa.com

Portable Immunity Analysis System
Samsung LABEGOPerforms cardiac marker tests in 30 minutes
The LABGEO IB10 from Samsung, Ridgefield Park, NJ, is a new, portable immunity analysis system. The battery-powered device can be used quickly and easily inside moving ambulances and during emergencies. Users can carry the device in one hand, and a touchscreen display enhances workflow. The device can perform up to three tests in 20 minutes. Cardiac marker tests are completed within the 30 minutes recommended by ESC, providing an effective solution in situations requiring urgent testing. The system also supports a variety of other tests, including infectious disease tests.
Samsung Healthcare Diagnostics
(800) 829-7666; www.samsungmedison.com

TESTING/DIAGNOSTICS

 

Multigene Diagnostic Test
Myriad myRisk Test KitAnalyzes 25 genes associated with eight cancers
Myriad Genetics Inc, Salt Lake City, introduces myRisk Hereditary Cancer, a new multigene diagnostic test that provides increased sensitivity by analyzing 25 genes associated with eight major cancers, including breast, colorectal, ovarian, endometrial, pancreatic, prostate, gastric, and melanoma. Each test report will include a genetic test result, a clinical risk, and a healthcare management tool based on professional society guidelines.
Myriad Genetics Inc
(801) 584-3600, www.myriad.com

Breast Cancer Prognostic Gene Signature Assay
Assesses risk of recurrence
NanoString Technologies Inc, Seattle, introduces its Prosigna Breast Cancer Prognostic Gene Signature Assay. Based on the PAM50 gene signature, this is the company’s first FDA-cleared in vitro diagnostic assay NanoString Prosigna Assayand uses the gene-expression profile of cells found in breast cancer tissue to assess a patient’s risk of distant recurrence of disease. The assay is performed using the nCounter Dx Analysis System, which can be placed in qualified labs throughout the United States, enabling oncologists and pathologists to quickly and easily meet the testing needs of their breast cancer patients. It is intended for use as a prognostic indicator for distant recurrence-free survival at 10 years, and it is indicated for postmenopausal women with Stage I/II lymph node-negative or Stage II lymph node-positive (one to three positive nodes) hormone receptor-positive breast cancer who have undergone surgery in conjunction with locoregional treatment consistent with standard of care.
NanoString Technologies Inc
(888) 358-6266; www.nanostring.com

Test for vanA and vanB Genes
Configured for Abbott’s m2000 platform
IntelligentMDx, Cambridge, Mass, has received FDA clearance for its new automated molecular IntelligentMDx IMDx VanR for Abbott m2000 FDA-cleared kitdiagnostic test that detects the presence of vanA and vanB genes that can be associated with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). This test is cleared for use on Abbott’s m2000 platform. The assay is intended to be used as an aid to identify, prevent, and control vancomycin-resistant colonization in healthcare settings. The automated test allows labs to obtain results for up to 46 patient samples in less than 3 hours, and up to 94 patient samples in less than 4 hours. The assay is performed directly on human perirectal swabs, rectal swabs, or stool specimens from patients at risk for VRE colonization.
IntelligentMDx
(617) 871-6400; www.intelligentmdx.com

Flu A/B and RSV for Abbott m2000
Produces results for up to 94 samples simultaneously
IntelligentMDx, Cambridge, Mass, offers a molecular diagnostic test that detects influenza A, influenza B, IntelligentMDx Flu AB and RSV for Abbott m2000 Kitand respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) directly from nasopharyngeal swabs from patients with signs and symptoms of respiratory infection. This is the second test from IMDx’s portfolio of molecular diagnostic products to be cleared by the FDA for use on Abbott’s fully automated m2000 platform. Reactivity studies have demonstrated that this assay is capable of detecting multiple influenza A/B and RSV strains from various geographical locations, including H1N1, H3N2, and recently emerging H3N2 variant strains. This assay can produce results for up to 94 patient samples simultaneously.
IntelligentMDx
(617) 871-6400; www.intelligentmdx.com

Linearity FD General Chemistry
Simulates human patient serum samples for determining
linearity and calibration verification
Linearity FD General Chemistry Beckman AU, 5 levels, from AUDIT MicroControls Inc, Carlsbad, Calif, is Audit Linearity FD General Chemistry Beckman AUthe latest in its line of calibration verification/linearity products. It simulates human patient serum samples for determining linearity and calibration verification, and verifies reportable range for albumin, alkaline phosphatase, ALT, total amylase, AST, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, BUN, calcium, chloride, cholesterol, CO2, creatine kinase, creatinine, Gamma-GT, glucose, iron, lactate, LDH, lipase, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, total protein, triglycerides, and uric acid. Packaged as 10 x 5 mL, this lyophilized product has a shelf life of 2 years and an open-vial stability of 7 days.
AUDIT MicroControls Inc
(866) 252-8348; www.auditmicro.com

Alere ComboNew HIV Test
Detects both HIV-1/2 antibodies and HIV-1 p24 antigen
The new Alere Determine HIV 1/2 Ag/Ab Combo test from Alere Inc, Waltham, Mass, detects HIV-1 p24 antigen and antibodies to HIV-1/HIV-2. It is a fourth-generation, rapid point-of-care test that detects in a single test both HIV-1/2 antibodies and the HIV-1 p24 antigen, which can appear days after infection and prior to HIV-1/2 antibodies, allowing identification and earlier treatment of individuals with acute infections.
Alere Inc
(781) 647-3900; www.alere.com

Rapid Bloodstream Infection Test
AdvanDx Gram Negative Mixed Positive QF 2Detects a trio of infections within 20 minutes
AdvanDx Inc, Woburn, Mass, now offers the Gram-Negative QuickFISH BC, a rapid molecular diagnostic test that identifies bloodstream infections caused by Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae within 20 minutes of a positive blood culture. The assay expands the QuickFISH Platform, which can now ID pathogens responsible for 90% of positive blood cultures.
AdvanDx Inc
(866) 376-0009; www.AdvanDx.com

Early Onset Preeclampsia Screening Test
Detect asymptomatic patients in the first trimester
PerkinElmer, Waltham, Mass, now offers an early onset preeclampsia screening test in the United States. PerkinsElmer PreeclampsiaScreen The PreeclampsiaScreen T1 serum screening test enables physicians to more precisely detect asymptomatic patients in the first trimester of pregnancy who are at high risk for developing the dangerous condition. It is administered during the first trimester of pregnancy through a blood test that detects three biochemical markers in the mother’s blood: PAPP-A (pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A), PlGF (placental growth factor), and AFP (alpha fetoprotein).
PerkinElmer
(800) 762-4000; www.perkinelmer.com

Additional Assayed Lithium Analyte
The TDM Linearity will have five levels and 14 assayed analytes
AUDIT MicroControls Inc, Carlsbad, Calif, has released the additional assayed Lithium analyte within its Audit TDM ControlTherapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) Daily Quality Control and Calibration Verification/Linearity Kits. The serum-based TDM Linearity and Control kits are sold separately. The TDM Linearity will have five levels and 14 assayed analytes: acetaminophen, amikacin, carbamazepine, digoxin, gentamicin, lithium, phenobarbital, phenytoin, quinidine, salicylate, theophylline, tobramycin, valproic acid, and vancomycin. AUDIT’s TDM Control, order number K068M-6, will have three levels and 13 assayed analytes: acetaminophen, amikacin, carbamazepine, digoxin, gentamicin, lithium, phenobarbital, phenytoin, quinidine, theophylline, tobramycin, valproic acid, and vancomycin.
AUDIT MicroControls Inc
(866) 252-8348; www.auditmicro.com

Rapid Test for Bacterial Contamination
Immunetics  BacTx colorimetric assayColorimetric assay tests for multiple bacteria
Immunetics Inc, Boston, offers its BacTx rapid test for bacteria in apheresis platelets. The BacTx system is a colorimetric assay that can detect aerobic, anaerobic, gram-negative, and gram-positive bacteria in a single test. The BacTx assay combines high sensitivity with simple, easy workflow integration. It uses a patented, highly specific, universal bacterial detection reagent that has been shown to detect wild and cultured bacterial strains, and is intended for use as a point-of-issue test performed at the transfusion site on the day of issue.
Immunetics
(800) 227-4765; www.immunetics.com

Assay for Detecting T. Vaginalis DNA
BD Viper RTX photoReduces variables and quickens results
BD Diagnostics, Baltimore, introduces its FDA-cleared ProbeTec Trichomonas vaginalis Qx Amplified DNA Assay for the direct qualitative detection of T. vaginalis DNA in endocervical and vaginal samples and neat urine specimens. It aids in the diagnosis of trichomoniasis on the BD Viper System with XTRt Technology (pictured). Automated DNA extraction and simultaneous amplification and detection maximize lab efficiency and quality of results. Compared to wet mount microscopy and culture, the assay reduces human intervention and associated variables and improves speed to results.
BD Diagnostics
(800) 638-8663; www.bd.com

Control LQ Spinal Fluid
Bi-level reference control
AUDIT MicroControls Inc, Carlsbad, Calif, has added to its line of daily Audit Control LQ Spinal Fluidquality control products with the Control LQ Spinal Fluid, a bi-level reference control consisting of human serum-based solutions. The control is intended to simulate human patient spinal fluid samples for the purpose of monitoring the precision of lab testing procedures for the following spinal fluid assays: chloride, glucose, immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, lactate, lactate dehydogenase, microalbumin, microprotein, and sodium.
AUDIT MicroControls Inc
(866) 252-8348; www.auditmicro.com

Blood Lead Testing System
Benchtop system is plug-and-play
Magellan Diagnostics  LeadCare Ultra SystemMagellan Diagnostics Inc, Billerica, Mass, has received FDA clearance for its LeadCare Ultra Blood Lead Testing System for the quantification of lead levels in blood. The system is a plug-and-play solution for lab lead analysis. The benchtop device weighs 34 pounds and measures 29 inches x 25 inches x 20 inches. It has a six-channel analyzer and can process 90 samples per hour.
Magellan Diagnostics Inc
(603) 315-0618; www.lcultra.com

MISCELLANEOUS SUPPLIES

Plastic Storage Bins

Available in multiple sizes
Akro-Mils, Akron, Ohio, introduces five new sizes in the 6-inch-high ShelfMax, a line of plastic storage bins. The dimensions for these new bins are:
Akro Boxes—11 5/8 inches long x 11 1/8 inches wide x 6 inches high
—17 7/8 inches long x 11 1/8 inches wide x 6 inches high
—23 5/8 inches long x 4 1/8 inches wide x 6 inches high
—23 5/8 inches long x 8 3/8 inches wide x 6 inches high
—23 5/8 inches long x 11 1/8 inches wide x 6 inches high
Each bin’s rolled ridge provides added strength and durability when filled to capacity. The 6-inch bins are easy to label for quick inventory identification. Optional-width dividers expand sorting options and efficiencies.

Akro-Mils
(800) 253-2467; www.akro-mils.com