RECENT PRODUCT NEWS

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are popular plate-based methods to detect and quantify peptides, proteins, antibodies or hormones. However, they generally involve multiple pipetting steps that are time-consuming and tedious to perform, requiring consistent processing to ensure success. INTEGRA Biosciences offers a range of liquid-handling solutions to improve ELISA workflows, designed to make the process easier and results more reproducible.

The UV-Box from Air Science is a high-efficiency chamber designed to decontaminate contents safely while providing a safe work environment for the operator. High-intensity UV lamps are positioned within the cabinet producing short-wave ultraviolet light at 254 nm to destroy exposed surface DNA and bacteria, leaving items free of contamination prior to other forensic tests, analysis or procedures.

With strict regulations applying to the transportation of biological specimens such as swabs for COVID-19 testing, samples need to be transported in UN3373-compliant packaging. SpeciSafe packs, available from Alpha Laboratories, provide a safe, convenient, economical and compliant transport solution for such Category B samples. The all-in-one leakproof secondary packaging solution with inbuilt absorbent, protects and separates primary containers.

Integra Biosciences is expanding its comprehensive collection of pipettes with the upcoming launch of two new EVOLVE manual pipettes – high-volume 8- and 12-channel options offering a market-leading capacity of 1250 µL per channel.

ViroStat has developed several new monoclonal antibodies specific to the Powassan virus. These antibodies do not cross react with other related flaviviruses and as such are excellent reagent tools for research with potential for diagnostics.

New RNA Complete BCT is a direct draw blood collection tube, now available in the UK from Alpha Laboratories. These blood collection tubes contain a preservative that stabilises cell-free RNA and exosome counts, maintaining the draw time concentration for up to seven days when stored at room temperature.

Torrey Pines Scientific has launched its EchoTherm RIC40 Peltier-driven, compact chilling/heating dry baths with temperature control from 0ºC to 100ºC. They are designed for use with robotic systems, and controlled via the RS232 I/O port on each RIC40 unit.

The EKF Altair 240 clinical chemistry analyser is a compact and fully automated random-access benchtop instrument with positions for 43 reagents, including the ability to configure open channels. The analyser can use barcoded and easy-to-load high-quality Stanbio reagents or reagents from any other manufacturer. The intuitive Windows-based software and touchscreen interface makes operating the analyser quick and easy.

Integra's new ECO Racks help to reduce plastic consumption and save recycling space. Available for standard 12.5 to 1250 μL GripTips (in both 96- and 384-tip configurations), these racks contain 60% less plastic, while maintaining the high standards expected from Integra products.

The Air Science PCR laminar-flow cabinet employs Air Science Multiplex HEPA filtration technology to create a safe, energy-efficient, contaminant-free environment. It is ideally suited for use with non-hazardous contaminants and when flexible access to the instrumentation in the cabinet is required.

At EuroLab 2020 in Warsaw (17–19 March), T&D Corporation will be presenting monitoring solutions adaptable to individual needs, and ideally suited to logging various conditions in medical and laboratory surroundings. At the show, T&D will showcase versatile wireless data logger systems, including the RTR-500 series, the Bluetooth-featured WiFi logger TR-7 series and the easy-to-use Bluetooth logger TR4-series, as well as suitable software applications.

Thermo Fisher Scientific has launched a next-generation, compressor-free plate sealer, designed to alleviate the maintenance burden on operators, while offering unparalleled process customisation capabilities, intuitive operation and significant work efficiencies. Biotechnology, pharmaceutical and academic research laboratories can now benefit from a system capable of simplifying the plate-sealing process and enabling improved reliability and productivity both for standalone, as well as, integrated robotic projects.

Beckman Coulter Life Sciences has introduced the DxFLEX, Europe’s first CE-IVD, 13-colour clinical flow cytometry system. The DxFLEX uses avalanche photodiode (APD) technology, which creates a highly sensitive semiconductor electronic device able to convert light to electricity. Beckman Coulter Life Sciences first harnessed the use of fibre optics in its flagship research flow cytometry system, the CytoFLEX. The use of APD technology transforms the way a compact flow cytometry instrument can deliver high-content research analysis.

Randox utilises the advanced enzyme cycling method for bile acids, which displays outstanding sensitivity and precision when compared to the traditional enzymatic tests. With excellent linearity up to 188 µmol/L for the comfortable detection of clinically important results, and a liquid ready-to-use format for convenience and ease-of-use, the Randox 5th Generation bile acids assay offers an exceptional correlation coefficient of r=0.99 when compared to other commercially available methods.

Tecan’s new DreamPrep NAP workstation is designed to simplify nucleic acid extraction workflows. Tecan has collaborated closely with Zymo Research to offer a ready-to-go processing solution for the ZymoBIOMICS 96 MagBead DNA Kit, including walkaway quantification and normalisation with an onboard Infinite 200 PRO reader.

The Purair Basic Series ductless fume hoods are compact and ideal for use in laboratory environments where space is limited or where only small volumes of harmful substances are handled. The Purair Advanced Series ductless fume hoods are available in seven standard sizes in metal or polypropylene construction. These high-efficiency products are designed to protect the user and the environment from hazardous vapours generated on the work surface.

Syngene, has announced that its GeneSys software is now available with the addition of new ChemiRapid, Signal Accumulation Calculator (SAC) and Enhanced Image features designed to improve chemiluminescence imaging workflow and quality. The software, available for free download to users of specific Syngene imaging systems, offers picture-perfect chemiluminescence blot images.

The Olympus Provi CM20 monitoring system provides quantitative data about the health of cell cultures while they are in the incubator. The system periodically scans the cultures, counts the number of cells, determines confluency and wirelessly communicates the data to a tablet or PC. Using the CM20 system, data can be acquired that will help to improve the reproducibility and stability of the cell culture process.

Beckman Coulter, a global leader in clinical diagnostics, today announced the commercial launch of its new DxH 690T haematology analyser. Designed to help laboratories streamline workflow and maximise uptime, the DxH 690T offers all the benefits of the company’s flagship DxH 900 haematology analyser to mid-size laboratories, including the recently released Early Sepsis Indicator

Scientists working across research and clinical diagnostic applications can now access a series of sophisticated next-generation centrifugation systems designed to offer improved performance, reliability, consistency and safety. These centrifugation systems are among the first to feature a full-colour, user-friendly touchscreen interface, enabling an advanced level of functionality for improved laboratory efficiencies.