RECENT PRODUCT NEWS

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.

Beckman Coulter has introduced two additions to its line of cell signal transduction reagents û Phospho- MAPKAPK-2 and Phospho-STAT3 kinase antibodies.

The new Variant Reporter software from Applied Biosystems accelerates sequence data analysis in biomedical research by automating the detection of genetic variants and streamlining the analysis process.

Thermo Fisher Scientific has developed a special polymerase chain reaction (PCR) buffer that enables samples to be loaded directly on an agarose gel after thermal cycling, thereby reducing the number of pipetting and reagent handling steps in PCR testing protocols.

Carl Zeiss has overcome the challenge of imaging deep inside living tissues with the launch of the LSM 5 MP multiphoton laser scanning microscope.

Preston-based Image Solutions has launched the personalDV system to provide highresolution fixed- and live-cell imaging in a single integrated bench-top format.

Invitrogen has launched the Dynabeads M-270 immunoassay (carboxyl) from Dynal, developed to provide precise immobilisation of antigens such as proteins, peptides, steroids and hormones for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) magnetic bead-based immunoassay applications. The antigens are coupled directly or via a cross-linker to carboxylic acid groups on the new 2.8 micron Dynabeads.

Research has focused increasingly on the detection and functional characterisation of microRNAs (miRNAs). Leading the way in this exciting field, QIAGEN has added to its miRNA portfolio with the introduction of the miScript system, which detects and quantifies miRNA, mRNA and other small RNAs using the SYBR Green-based realtime polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

The risks of crosscontamination during thawing of frozen plasma are well known to transfusion scientists. This can be a particular concern when using traditional wet methods such as water baths, and some of the newer thawing methods introduced have either taken unacceptably long or have run the risk of overheating the plasma, with potentially disastrous consequences.

Abbott Diagnostics has expanded its ARCHITECT family of analysers with the introduction of the ARCHITECT c16000 clinical chemistry analyser and ARCHITECT ci16200, an integrated immunoassay and clinical chemistry analyser.

It is estimated that there were 4.3 million new cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 2006 and half a million of these were children under 15 years old. Around 40 million people worldwide are now living with HIV/AIDS, so early detection and treatment of HIV-1 and -2 remains critical in improving survival rates and reducing transmission, especially to the unborn child.

Stuart, the benchtop equipment brand from Barloworld Scientific, has updated its popular shaker incubator range with a versatile new model packed with useful features.

The camSonix range of ultrasonic baths from Camlab offers 13 models, from 0.8 L to 90 L, providing solutions for almost any laboratory or medical application.

Oxoid has launched its new Oxoid Air Sampler. This robust, high-specification air sampler is designed to monitor microbiological air quality in clinical environments, and relies on proven impaction technology that has been used in infection control applications for many years.

A completely integrated hands-off system for managing, observing and recording the growth of cells in culture has been launched by Nikon Instruments. By combining the precise environmental control capabilities of a high-performance CO2 incubator with the advanced optics needed for drift-free live-cell imaging, the BioStation CT removes the need for culture dishes to be transported from one location to another for observation.

Olympus has introduced the updated dotSlide digital virtual microscopy system, which scans entire slides at high resolution and fidelity, making them accessible and fully navigable anywhere around the world.