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RECENT PRODUCT NEWS

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.

Revolution in real-time PCR testing

Mast Group has introduced the latest in vitro diagnostics (IVD) solutions from Seegene, a developer of multiplex IVD products. A revolution in real-time PCR, Allplex enables high-capacity multiplexing with quantitative reporting.

Automated CSF cell counting system

Advanced Instruments has received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its GloCyte Automated Cell Counter System and GloCyte Low and High Level Controls. The GloCyte is now available for the UK market from Vitech Scientific.

Chlamydia pneumoniae monoclonal antibodies

Chlamydia pneumoniae is a Gram-negative bacterium that infects humans, commonly causing pharyngitis, bronchitis and atypical pneumonia. It is also implicated in causing coronary artery disease. It is an obligate intracellular pathogen whose resistant elementary body (EB) form exists between human and animal hosts. As such, cell culture is required to isolate the microorganism.

Three-dimensional cell culturing

Particle Works, the nano- and micro-structured material specialist, has developed a range of alginate and agarose hydrogel beads designed to enable three-dimensional (3D) cell culture growth. This bead-based environment more closely mimics in vivo conditions, providing greater access to nutrients and allowing better cell-cell interactions.

Software pushing microscope boundaries

Olympus has updated its cellSens imaging software, which now provides cost-effective solutions by expanding the capabilities of manual microscopes; fast, detailed, real-time panoramic imaging is now possible without an expensive motorised or encoded stage thanks to the Instant Multiple Image Alignment (Instant MIA) function.

Filtration and contamination control

Air Science's new Purair FLOW series laminar-flow cabinets are designed to protect the work surface, products and materials from particulate contamination. Room air first passes through a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter then uniformly through the cabinet interior by laminar flow to protect work from unfiltered air. Airflow is oriented to exhaust airborne particulates introduced by the user.

Preparation of DNA from blood

Arcis Biotechnology, the nucleic acid sample preparation solution provider, has launched its Arcis DNA Blood Kit (IVD) for preparation of DNA from blood using a three-minute, two-step system, designed for in vitro diagnostic use. The new kit is sold in a ready-to-use format, and enables users to stabilise and extract nucleic acid from fresh or frozen whole blood samples in just three minutes, without the need for prior sample preparation steps.

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Upcoming Events

USCAP 113th Annual Meeting

Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
23-28 March, 2024

Pathology Horizons 2024

MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel, Bath
18-20 April, 2024

Diagnostics North East Conference 2024

The Catalyst, Newcastle upon Tyne
19 April, 2024

ECCMID 2024 - European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Fira Gran Via, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
27-30 April 2024

British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference

UK Health Security Agency, Colindale, London
2 May 2024

EQA Reports: Interpreting Key Information & Troubleshooting Tips

ONLINE - Zoom
Thursday 16th May 2024

Access the latest issue of Pathology In Practice on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Pathology In Practice app from your device's App store

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