RECENT PRODUCT NEWS

Abbott Diagnostics has developed a panel of congenital assays for its popular Architect platform. These assays can be used for the detection of human cytomegalovirus (CMV), Toxoplasma gondii and rubella virus.

Inverness Medical has introduced two rapid diagnostic tests for the detection of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) û Clearview Exact Influenza A & B and Clearview RSV. The Clearview range of rapid respiratory tests delivers reliable results so unnecessary treatment, hospitalisation and administration time can be eliminated.

Qiagen offers a comprehensive range of PCR and RT-PCR products and has now added a fast-cycling PCR kit and a special refrigerator-stored DNA polymerase to its range of standard, hot-start, multiplex, long-range and high-fidelity end-point PCR kits.

Thermo Fisher Scientific has launched ABgene SmartCap mats to provide biomedical scientists with a fast and effective capping option for cluster tubes. SmartCap mats have a wide temperature range and are the only non-pierced septum plug seals currently available in the life sciences that can be stored down to vapour phase liquid nitrogen.

Recently, Beckman Coulter UK hosted a major customer event to mark the official UK launch of the UniCel DxC 880i Synchron Access clinical system, the latest member of the companyÆs integrated chemistry and immunoassay family of systems. The DxC 880i is equipped with a host of features including the UniCel CTA, which performs closed-tube aliquoting and closed-tube sampling.

Anachem and Lab901 have announced a partnership that will bring a new, fully automated walkaway electrophoresis platform to the UK and Ireland. The ScreenTape system, developed by Lab901, employs a special microscale polymer tape that contains all the reagents required for DNA electrophoresis.

In a major extension to its traditional involvement in cellular imaging, Nikon Instruments intends to move further into the field of live cell care with the launch of the BioStation CT. Combining the precise environmental control capabilities of a high-performance incubator with the advanced optics needed for drift-free live-cell imaging, BioStation CT removes the need for culture dishes to be transported from one location to another for observation, and represents a hands-free approach to managing, observing and recording cells in culture.

Unreadable, smudged or faded labels can be the fatal flaw in a laboratory data trail. However, labelling systems from the Brady Corporation provide comprehensive solutions to these problems.

Computer Imprintable Label Systems (CILS) has launched a new label specifically developed to withstand laboratory chemicals and solvents such as xylene and acetone.

Helena Biosciences has added cap piercing as standard to its AC-4 automated coagulation analyser. The AC-4 is the perfect compact analyser for any haemostasis laboratory, claiming performance beyond that of comparable systems in an easy-to-use, ultra-reliable format.

SartoriusÆ new MA150 is a moisture analyser with a difference. Capable of detecting water down to 0.01%, this new model also has a built-in weighing system with a maximum weighing capacity of 150 g (1 mg resolution). Together with its rugged and compact design, this new moisture balance is perfect for a range of laboratory applications.

Computer Imprintable Label Systems (CILS) has launched a security label specifically developed to survive û80░C and maintain sample security.

Tosoh has launched the G8 analyser, its latest solution for HbA1c measurement. With over 35 years of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) experience, TosohÆs high-quality solutions have become renowned for their precision, speed and ease of use. The new G8 system is no exception as it offers the highest quality chromatography available for HbA1c testing.

Touchclave laboratory autoclaves from LTE Scientific offer features to assist the operator and improve efficiency. These include touch-screen controls, a multi-program system, automatic internal data archiving, an interlocked vertical easy-glide sliding door, and water-jacketed to provide fast-cycle times.

Following the successful launch of the mediumsized 910LX model, Lancer has now introduced two brand new large washer/dryers, the 1300LX and 1400LXP.

Eppendorf Plate Deepwell 96 and 384 set new standards in purity, stability and centrifuge and automation compatibility. The plates deliver first-rate results every time, and offer optimised well geometry, an exclusive error-safe labelling system, and stability up to 6000 xg.

Instrumentation Laboratory (IL) has introduced the GEM Premier 4000, a revolutionary whole blood analyser that is very easy to use. It has a remarkably flexible analyte menu, including a full COoximetry panel. The selfcontained pack incorporates all components for patient testing.

Randox has released a simple test for the fully automated, quantitative detection of the small dense form of low-density lipoprotein (sd LDL). Research into LDL cholesterol and the implications for risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has identified two LDL subtypes, small dense LDL and large buoyant LDL. Genetic and nutritional factors affect the size of the LDL particles.

The team behind ItemTracker, the widely used visual sample tracking and management software solution, has announced the release of Version 3.

StatSpin Express primary tube centrifuges from Rapid Sample Processing are simple to use, compact, fast and easy to maintain. Faster turnaround times and greater productivity can be achieved in the production of plasma for coagulation tests and for chemistry and cardiac profiles.