RECENT PRODUCT NEWS

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.

Research has focused increasingly on the detection and functional characterisation of microRNAs (miRNAs).

The risks of crosscontamination during thawing of frozen plasma are well known to transfusion scientists.

Olympus has announced an upgrade to its CellCut laser microdissection system, the CellCut Plus. It features single- or multi-position plug and play automated CapLift with adjustable contact pressure, and offers full access to all motorised functions on the companyÆs IX81.

Firefly Scientific has launched its OptiChallenge Inhibition Panel for use in evaluating the performance of an assay in the presence of interfering substances.

The UKÆs fastest, easiest and best-value source for molecular biology and tissue culture products has launched a new range of reagents from Molecular Research Center (MRC) in the USA.

The detection of emerging drug resistance and identification of evolving pathogens is now available to microbiologists in the UK, following the launch of Microscan by Dade Behring.

Dry-Dye Check Strips, together with good record keeping, contribute to compliance with quality assurance requirements for microwell readers.

Labcold has introduced a new range of portable refrigerators and temperature loggers to ensure the safe transport of temperature-sensitive medical and blood products.

Thermo Fisher Scientific has introduced its new Thermo Scientific AquaTec water preservation cell for the prevention of waterborne contamination in CO2 incubators and water baths.

Oxoid has extended its range of diagnostic test kits to include the rapid and reliable Remel Wellcolex Colour tests.

Rapid Sample Processing offers a complete system for clearing lipaemic samples.

According to the United Nations, some 200 million people (5% of the global population) have used illicit drugs at least once in the last 12 months.

The sensitivity, accuracy and ease of use offered by the automated Clinitest human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) assay from Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostics have been highlighted in an evaluation of 11 æpallet typeÆ professional urine pregnancy tests conducted recently by the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency (PASA).

Lab MÆs innovative Captivate immunomagnetic separation (IMS) products and methodology are being used to enhance and accelerate a range of microbiological processes.

Porvair Sciences has introduced a range of clear-bottomed microplates designed to offer excellent performance in the long wavelength ultraviolet (UV) region. Krystal-UV plates are available in 24-, 96- and 384- well formats, in black or white ultrapure-grade polystyrene, and offer excellent photometric performance down to 325 nm.

Millipore has announced the availability of the new BioPak C disposable ultrafiltration cartridge.