RECENT PRODUCT NEWS
Entry-level reader with six application-focused configurations
Tecan’s Infinite 200 PRO series of multimode microplate readers has been updated to include a number of new options and configurations designed to provide flexible and user-friendly solutions for entry-level research applications.
Calculating accurate antibiotic and vaccine potency
Synbiosis has announced that UNISTAT bioassay analysis software has been integrated for use with the ProtoCOL 3 colony counting and inhibition zone measuring system. UNISTAT’s Analysis of Bioassays module will allow scientists a quick and easy method of analysing ProtoCOL 3 data to generate accurate antibiotic and vaccine potency results.
Expanding the role of routine flow cytometry
Beckman Coulter Life Sciences has expanded the workflow capabilities of its AQUIOS CL flow cytometer with the addition of the AQUIOS Designer Software, developed specifically to handle user-defined tests in the routine laboratory.
Sophisticated imaging software solutions
Olympus has released version 1.17 of cellSens, its life science imaging software, which features an automatic object tracking function. The software can adapt to different scenarios, such as samples containing fast-moving objects or growing cells, while precise manual tracking is also possible. Measured objects are reported as track diagrams, tables and images, offering a range of possibilities to analyse, present and export results.
Xeno-free medium for haematopoietic progenitor cell culture
Irvine Scientific has expanded its line of products supporting stem and immunological cell therapies with the introduction of PRIME-XV Haematopoietic Cell Basal Medium. This new formulation follows other media in the PRIME-XV range as it is another serum-free, xeno-free basal medium that specifically supports robust expansion of haematopoietic progenitors while maintaining their multipotency, or functional properties needed for cell-based therapies.
Molecular platform for oncology and infectious diseases
The MDx Idylla platform from Biocartis is a fully automated sample-to-result, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system that offers accurate, highly reliable molecular information from virtually any biological sample in virtually any setting.
Advances in urinalysis
The latest developments in Sterilab’s urinalysis product portfolio include the latest software version of the Urilyzer 100 Pro with new connectivity capability, Urilyzer SED – automating the gold standard in urine sediment microscopy, and Urilyzer 500 – a new high-throughput test strip analyser.
Process pump range expanded
Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group has expanded its range of peristaltic cased pumps for upstream and downstream bioprocessing tasks. The existing 120 and 530 models are now joined by the 630 and 730 higher flow pumps, ensuring that users looking to upscale research projects or production can do so without changing or impacting the process.
CE-marked assay for C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae
Hologic has announced that its Aptim Combo 2 assay for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae has received new CE-marked claims in Europe. These additional claims permit testing of both clinician- and patient-collected throat and rectal swabs.
Transforming haematology productivity and testing
Abbott has announcing the availability of two haematology solutions that equip customers with the facilities to do more with less. The CP3000 fully automated coagulation system and Alinity hq analyser are the first of a family of next-generation haematology instruments designed to address the space and productivity challenges of today’s high-volume laboratories. These instruments are fully‐automated and eliminate the need for manual processes that can get in the way of speed and efficiency, and the units are scalable to meet evolving growth and volume needs.
Rapid and reliable detection of cryptococcal infection
The IMMY CrAg LFA (cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay) is the first immunochromatographic dipstick assay for the qualitative and semiquantitative detection of the cryptococcal capsular antigen in serum, plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Available exclusively in the UK from Alpha Laboratories, it has revolutionised cryptococcal antigen testing, with excellent sensitivity across all serotypes of Cryptococcus. CrAg LFA can detect all four CrAg serotypes, with improved sensitivity for Cryptococcus gattii infections (serotype C).
Workflow efficiency and rapid tube identification
Tecan is helping to reduce waiting times for bulk sample identification with an innovative high-speed barcode scanner for its Fluent Laboratory Automation Solution. The new Fluent ID* module eliminates the need to watch and wait while the liquid-handling platform scans and identifies each sample tube, allowing 32 barcoded samples to be loaded and identified in just three seconds.
Dengue antibodies for lateral-flow applications
Dengue virus is endemic in tropical countries worldwide. Mosquito-borne, the infection manifests as dengue fever, but can progress to more serious conditions including haemorrhagic fever. There are four serotypes of the virus and all are capable of causing disease. A non-structural glycoprotein (NS1) is produced during acute infection and can be found at high levels in patient serum.
Multiplex real-time PCR kits for β-lactamase genes
β-lactamase enzymes inactivate β-lactam antibiotics and render them ineffective for the treatment of clinically important Gram-negative bacterial infections. Now, two new kits from Streck, available in the UK from Alpha Laboratories, provide a comprehensive, cost-effective molecular method to detect the most clinically important β-lactamases that confer resistance to penicillins, cephamycins and, in some cases, carbapenems.
Ergonomic advances aid high-throughput microscopy
Combining user comfort with bright, uniform illumination, the CX43 and CX33 microscopes from Olympus are optimised for long periods of routine observation. In the design of the microscopes, frequently-used controls have been lowered, allowing a more natural position for the user’s arms during operation.
Cell specificity screen for safety assessment of novel immunotherapies
Biotechnology company Retrogenix has enhanced its cell microarray technology to enable specificity screening of whole chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. The advance helps to address the need for tools to assist with the safety assessment of new cancer immunotherapies.
Quick and accurate identification of microbes on chromogenic media
Synbiosis has announced that its Chromogenic ID software for use with Synbiosis colony counters now has a validated module for automatic identification of bacteria and yeasts on ThermoFisher Scientific’s Oxoid Chromogenic media. Using this software allows microbiologists to identify microbes cultured on the world’s most commonly used media rapidly and accurately.
High-speed annealing and sterilisation without a gas flame
The SteriMax Smart steriliser from WLD-TEC is suitable for all laboratories, anaerobic environments and safety cabinets. This steriliser uses specifically focused infrared (IR) light which generates a hotspot for sterilising inoculating loops at a temperature of 750°C to 1000°C in only 5–10 seconds immediately, without preheating.
Redefining peristaltic pump performance in bioprocessing
Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group has unveiled the innovative Quantum peristaltic pump with its patented ReNu single-use (SU) technology cartridge. Quantum aims to set the standard for high-pressure feed pumps in SU tangential flow filtration (TFF), virus filtration (VF) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Highly complex flow cytometry analysis
Beckman Coulter Life Sciences continues to expand the multi-parameter capabilities of its CytoFLEX flow cytometer technology. Its latest model, the CytoFLEX LX, with up to six lasers and 21 fluorescence channels, delivers more parameters with the same fluorescence sensitivity and nanoparticle detection demanded by high-end researchers. The CytoFLEX flow cytometer was introduced two years ago and now offers 47 configurations through one of three series of systems: CytoFLEX, CytoFLEX S, and now the CytoFLEX LX.
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11th Digital Pathology & AI Congress: Europe
Hilton London Metropole, 255 Edgware Road, London, W2 1JU
11-12 December, 2024
Microbiology Society Annual Conference 2025
Liverpool Arena and Convention Centre
31 March - 3 April, 2025
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