RECENT NEWS

Microbiology culture media specialist Lab M has appointed Colin LeGood (pictured) to the role of export sales manager, as the company continues the development of its worldwide business.

Soon after installation of new Horiba ABX Pentra DX 120 and DF 120 haematology analysers at Bronglais District General Hospital in Aberystwyth, the reliability of these highthroughput analysers was highlighted. Following heavy snow in the largely rural catchment area supported by the hospital, many blood samples taken at remote surgeries took up to five days to reach the laboratory. However, despite these extended storage periods, automatic differentials were obtained on the new analysers.

Aperio Technologies has received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market the HER2 image analysis application available through its patented ScanScope slide scanning system. The FDA-cleared immunohistochemistry (IHC) image analysis application is intended for use as an aid in detecting and quantifying HER2 protein expression from digital slide images created by AperioÆs slide scanning systems.

Tecan has announced that it will collaborate with GE Healthcare in the area of protein handling and screening. With recognised expertise in their respective fields of laboratory automation and protein detection, analysis and purification, the two companies will work together to optimise the combination of TecanÆs automated instrumentation with GE HealthcareÆs prepacked chromatography media, specifically in the area of high-throughput protein applications.

Software designed to speed up tumour, AIDS and vaccine research is being released by Carl Zeiss. The new KS ELISpot application combines with Zeiss microscope systems to make ELISpot (enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot) reading faster, more sensitive and more convenient, and also enables fluorescence ELISpot evaluation.

As the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) rises, it is becoming more important to assess risk factors for CVD, to reduce the incidence and mortality of the disease. Apolipoproteins are the main structural components of lipoproteins and have been linked to CVD risk. Randox can offer a full lipoprotein profile û including HDL, LDL, small dense LDL and apolipoproteins û for CVD risk assessment.

Scientists at the Universitat Aut≥noma de Barcelona, Spain, have developed and validated an identity test that can be used to confirm the breed and origin of meat from farm animals. The test was developed in collaboration with Applied Biosystems and used several specific genetic markers to identify individual animals. The findings were published in December in the scientific journal Animal Genetics (2007; 6 [38]).

Oxoid has acknowledged the excellent work of a young microbiologist at the University of Brighton. The inaugural Oxoid Prize for the best project in microbiology at the University of Brighton School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences was awarded to Sandra Clark for her work on the survival of hospital-acquired pathogens in a desiccated state.

Beckman Coulter has introduced the next analyser in its series of in vitro diagnostic offerings, the UniCel DxI 600 Access immunoassay system, designed for mid-volume laboratories.

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) solvents and deuterated compounds from Swiss specialist Armar Chemicals are to be distributed exclusively throughout Great Britain and Ireland by Glass Precision Engineering (GPE). This is a logical extension to the range of Norell NMR tubes that GPE already supplies.

Cambridge Research Biochemicals (CRB) has signed an agreement with Panagene to become the UK distributor for its high-purity (PNA) oligomers.

Using an Eppendorf automated pipetting system for real-time PCR set-up, the bioanalysis team at LGC, the UKÆs leading independent analytical laboratory, is saving staff time, cutting PCR reagent costs and completing projects within shorter timescales.

The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) has awarded Camlab a ú40,000 grant from its Proof of Concept Fund to develop a tamper-proof plastic closure system to provide secure sample storage and transportation.

Beckman Coulter has standardised its creatinine serum recovery for its instrument platforms and released new software that meets the standardisation goals of the National Kidney Disease Education Program (NKDEP) of the US National Institutes of Health.

Alan Trinder, general manager for Olympus Diagnostic Systems in the UK and Ireland, retired at the end of September. During his 18 years at Olympus, Alan was instrumental in the growth of the UK division through his extensive knowledge of the clinical chemistry market and laboratory medicine in the UK.

`Steven Moore has joined the sales team of specialist refrigeration manufacturer Labcold to provide support to equipment resellers in the north of England and Scotland. Based in Manchester, Steven will assist distributors in all aspects of developing the sales of Labcold products.

Invitrogen has assembled a portfolio of enabling inventions and products and applied them to the challenges of examining biology in context. The Invitrogen Cellular Analysis Catalogue combines product information, selection guides, applications notes and tools in a comprehensive resource for the life scientist studying cells and their environment.

Porvair Sciences has announced the opening of a new Class 10000 cleanroom at its Wrexham facility. Production of the full Porvair line of microplates has transferred to the new facility.

Carl Zeiss once again has proved its leadership in technical excellence and customer satisfaction in the field of high-quality microscope systems by beating 28 other finalists to win the Cell Biology Microscopy Instruments category at the Life Science Industry Awards, The ScientistÆs Choice.

Healthcare sales recruitment specialist Kirkham Young celebrated its third birthday in September. Its bespoke recruitment service offering sales, marketing, clinical and technical support roles in the medical devices and laboratory industry has seen significant growth since 2004, with the team trebling in size in that time.