RECENT PRODUCT NEWS

Thermo Fisher Scientific has introduced a range of new, improved Thermo Scientific Sterilin 30 mL universal containers with easier handling and improved leak-free performance. The new QuickStart cap is based on a ‘three start’ thread, which requires fewer turns to open and close.

Syngene has introduced its new InGenius3 gel imaging system. Designed with a compact darkroom, as well as blue, white and UV lighting options, InGenius3 offers maximum gel imaging versatility at an affordable price.

The Randox liquid ready-to-use lipoprotein (a) assay provides a highly sensitive and specific method for the detection of Lp(a) in human serum and plasma. The assay is based on an immunoturbidimetric method, is suitable for use on most chemistry analysers, and is not affected by Apo(a) size-related bias.

Radiometer’s new AQURE point-of-care (POC) management system offers a customisable, highly flexible and scalable software solution with the capability to monitor and control the performance of POC testing platform. The easy-to-use system encompasses a device centre with online analyser, parameter and QC status instantly available.

Qiagen has launched the QIAensemble Decapper automated sample preparation system, which automates the handling of liquid-based cytology (LBC) and other liquid vials, enabling laboratories to eliminate many manual steps. It improves laboratory workflow by providing an automated solution for transferring clinical samples from closed primary vials to compatible tubes for downstream processing. QIAensemble Decapper was launched in the USA late in 2011, with rollout in Europe and other areas of the world underway this year.

Promega has launched four new proteases: pepsin, elastase, sequencing grade Arg-C and thermolysin. These high-quality proteases are the latest addition to Promega’s range of protein sample preparation reagents, which includes Trypsin Gold.

Pro-Lab Diagnostics has released a rapid visual assay for the detection of Helicobacter pylori in faecal samples. Pyloritop Ag+ is an immunochromatogenic test designed to provide clinical laboratories with a cost-effective assay to help meet current guidelines for the detection and treatment of H. pylori.

Availability of stand-off legs for Priorclave’s range of bench-top autoclaves brings significant advantages to designated Category 3 application areas, providing much easier access beneath the for cleaning and disinfection of laboratory work surfaces to prevent spread of virus and eliminate potential cross contamination. Another added benefit is the Biocote antimicrobial surface protection.

The Native Antigen Company (NAC) has released a highly purified cytomegalovirus (CMV) native antigen, which has been manufactured in response to the in vitro diagnostics (IVD) industry’s requirement for a cost-effective antigen that can demonstrate a high affinity for IgG and IgM. This latest antigen from NAC’s rapidly increasing portfolio also minimises cross-reactivity and lot-to-lot variation.

Olympus has released the new CX22 microscopes for routine and educational use. Building on the success of the CX21 range of microscopes, the CX22 series features significant improvements for convenient microscopy. Without compromising on image quality, these microscopes provide a bigger field of view and increased flexibility when altering the height of the eye point. Ergonomically designed and easy to use, these microscopes are also the ideal solution to a wide range of routine microscopy needs.

Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT) is taking orders for a new product that represents a significant advance in synthetic biology tools. gBlocks gene fragments are double-stranded, sequence-verified genomic blocks up to 500 base pairs. Their high sequence fidelity and rapid delivery time makes gBlocks ideal for a range of biology applications, including easy assembly of multiple gene fragments to generate larger gene constructs.

Alere has received confirmation that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the Alere Influenza A&B test for the US market. This highly sensitive, rapid test is intended for use at the point of care and will help practitioners manage patients with influenza-like illness more effectively.

Carltex has introduced a new line of microscope LCD digital tablet/cameras which are ideal for any microscope system. Available in 2 megapixel (BLC-200) and 5 megapixel (BLC-500) resolutions, these units combine the features of a tablet PC and a digital camera.

In order to maintain thermal stability of spectrometers operating in variable environments, Ocean Optics has released the USB-TC small-footprint heating device. Compatible with the company’s USB2000+ and USB4000 miniature spectrometers, the unit attaches directly to the spectrometer and maintains wavelength thermal stability to within ±0.025 pixels/°C. This temperature control ensures accuracy in settings where temperature variations can affect spectral performance.

The new TC-9D control unit incorporates a flow meter in addition to a thermocouple, for more accurate and reproducible operation of the Techne SBL range of fluidised baths. With push-fit connectors for fast and easy set up, the self-contained TC-9D Controller enhances temperature accuracy and stability of SBL fluidised baths, achieving ±0.5°C up to 300°C, ±1.0°C between 300°C and 400°C, and ±1.5°C from 400°C to 600°C.

IKS International has now added airborne particles to the parameters that can be monitored by its XiltriX real-time laboratory monitoring system. Each Calypso particle data transmitter can support up to 10 particle counters for continuous, automatic particle counting in clean rooms, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) laboratories, pharmaceutical production facilities and anywhere that airborne particulates are a potential problem. Individual laser-based counters are available to a number of specifications, but typically can monitor particles down to 0.3 µm in diameter.

Olympus offers its versatile, powerful BX3 clinical microscope systems for analysis and disease diagnosis in pathology and cytology. The systems take advantage of Olympus’s new true-colour light-emitting diode (LED) illumination technology and built-in Light Intensity Manager (LIM) to create images with accurately rendered colours.

The Thermo Scientific PathoDxtra Strep Grouping Kit has just been launched. This latex agglutination kit offers faster Streptococcus grouping than traditional methods for all clinically significant Lancefield groups. Designed to improve workflow efficiencies, the nitrous acid extraction instantly removes the cell antigens and the test does not require rehydration or incubation.

Pro-Lab Diagnostics has launched a high-quality immunoassay for rapid and accurate screening of patients with suspected Clostridium difficile infection. The Prolisa C. difficile GDH (glutamate dehydrogenase) enzyme immunoassay (EIA) achieves excellent sensitivity and specificity thanks to a mouse monoclonal GDH antibody, and it offers a high negative predictive value so that C. difficile infection can be ruled out quickly and easily.

Thermo Fisher Scientific has unveiled the new Thermo Scientific Revco UxF series ultralow-temperature (ULT) freezers. Providing outstanding sample protection, while maintaining high standards in energy efficiency and capacity per footprint, these new freezers excel both in design and security. Equipped with a touchscreen control panel that features an event log, health monitoring system and controlled access options, the Revco UxF series provides a constant update on the integrity and health of the freezer compartment.