An interview with Hiro Sekiya, Director of Marketing of the Diagnostics Systems Group

Q: Does Olympus America Inc have a theme for AACC 2009?

Sekiya: We will be using elements of our current advertisement campaign, “The Reliable Choice.”

Q: Which products are you featuring, and why?

Sekiya: The featured product at this year’s exhibit is the new AU480 chemistry analyzer system.

Q: Are you introducing any products or new versions/upgrades/updates of existing products?

Sekiya: We are introducing the AU480 advanced chemistry analyzer—the successor to the AU400e® analyzer.

Q: Tell us about these products you’re featuring. What are the competitive advantages, and/or how do they represent advances over previous versions?

Sekiya: The AU480 system is designed to optimize workflow and enhance productivity in small- to medium-sized clinical laboratories. Building on the success of its predecessor, the AU400e—which has sold more than 4,000 units worldwide—the new system has expanded versatility with a 130-test menu, streamlined easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI), new Master Curve calibration, and smaller sample volumes.

The AU480 is the ideal main analyzer for small- to medium-sized laboratories, with a throughput of up to 800 tests per hour with ISE and simultaneous programming for up to 63 different analytes. It can be used as a special chemistry or STAT analyzer in any laboratory. The new intuitive Graphical User Interface and touch screen monitor make it extremely user-friendly, and user-definable software options such as the auto-rerun via rack handler and true reflex testing further expand convenience for the user.

Minimal sample volumes have been achieved on the AU480, where high-precision sampling as low as 1 µL makes the system ideal for neonatal, pediatric, and geriatric testing. Computer-controlled sample and reagent dispensing, in combination with clot detection and crash prevention, are added safety features of the AU480, resulting in unique system reliability.

Olympus System Reagents for the AU480 are designed to match the requirements and features of the new analyzer for optimum performance. Additionally, Master Curve reagents have 2D bar codes to maximize productivity and reduce the potential for errors in the laboratory. The new system accommodates up to 80 samples in racks and 22 in the STAT wheel. Different tube sizes may be mixed within the linear racks and can be loaded continuously. Serum indices (hemolysis, icterus, lipemia) can also be automatically checked. The Olympus AU480 is standardized to fit seamlessly within the full line of Olympus AU-Series chemistry analyzers. All offer the same reagents, calibrators, controls, consumables, and parts; the same results and reference ranges; and the same test menu.

Q: Will Olympus be making presentations or demos in the booth during exhibit hours?

Sekiya: Olympus will be demonstrating all of the systems on display in the booth—including the AU5400, AU2700, AU680, AU480, and OLA2500—along with Olympus System Reagents and Olympus Partner Advantage Web-based services. The in-booth presentation area will host presentations regarding new assays offered for Olympus systems.

Q: Will Olympus be presenting posters or scientific presentations during the meeting?

Sekiya: The following scientific posters have been accepted and will be presented during the meeting:

“Performance Evaluation of an Automated Immunoassay for the Determination of Cardiac Troponin I on the Olympus AU3000i Immunoassay System”;

“Performance Evaluation of an Automated Immunoassay for the Determination of BNP (B-type Natriuretic peptide) on the Olympus AU3000i Immunoassay system”;

“Performance Evaluation of an Automated Immunoassay for the Determination of Cortisol on the Olympus AU3000i Immunoassay System”;

“Performance Evaluation of an Automated Immunoassay for the Determination of Estradiol on the Olympus AU3000i Immunoassay System”;

“Evaluation of Diazyme Total Bile Acids Assay on the Olympus AU680 Chemistry-Immuno Analyzer”; and

“Evaluation of a New Olympus CRP Assay on the Olympus AU400, AU640, AU2700, and AU680 Immunochemistry Analyzers.”