COMPUTERS/IT

APVision AP.uroStatAnatomical Pathology Software

Designed for urology practices

AP-Visions LLC, Marco Island, Fla, introduces AP URO, an anatomical pathology software solution designed to maintain regulatory compliance and improve revenue. Specifically for the urology practice, it facilitates bringing the professional component of prostate, bladder, VAS DEFERENS biopsies, and urine cytology in-house. This software solution improves workflow management, assures fee capturing, and enhances specimen tracking and patient reporting. All AP-Visions products are EMR ready.

AP-Visions LLC

(714) 306-0996; www.ap-visions.com

 

GenoLogics image 1LIMS for CLIA-Certified Next Generation Sequencing Labs

Intuitive interface and lab management essentials for regulated labs

GenoLogics Life Sciences Software, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, introduces Clarity LIMS, an intuitive lab management system that combines information management essentials for CLIA-certified and regulated labs with a clear and easy-to-navigate interface. It offers support for clinical lab directors as they work on achieving or maintaining CLIA certification. The system assists lab directors with workflow enforcement, adherence to standard operating procedures, and handling the complexities of next-generation sequencing. Designed to manage the flow of samples through the lab, the new role-optimized interface will become a planning tool, thereby enhancing lab efficiency.

GenoLogics

(866) 457-5467; www.genologics.com/ClarityLIMS

 

Panasonic ToughBookUpgrades to Rugged Convertible Tablet PC

Longer battery, faster processing speeds

Panasonic, Secaucus, NJ, has upgraded the Panasonic Toughbook 19, its best-selling rugged convertible tablet PC. The updated Toughbook 19 now comes with an Intel® CoreTM i5-3320M vProTM processor (up to 3.3GHz) with Intel Turbo Boost Technology. Other enhancements include expanded storage, a more responsive touch pad, and an ambient light sensor, allowing automatic backlight shut-off to improve battery life. Optional integrated 4G LTE wireless or 3G Gobi mobile broadband is another key feature, allowing workers to stay connected virtually all of the time. With 10 hours of battery life, the tablet PC is ready for a full day of work. A battery calibration tool runs in the background, allowing users to work while the battery is being calibrated.

Panasonic

(877) 803-8492; www.panasonic.com

 

EQUIPMENT

OCT thermoboxInsulated, Secure Box

Available in 8- and 16-liter sizes

OCT Sante, Romainville, France, which specializes in the transportation of biological products, offers its Thermo Box system, designed for the transport of category B biological materials. In April, OCT Sante was granted the most recent ISO 9001 certification, version 2008. Thermo Box cool packs make it possible to transport biological products in controlled temperatures in two sizes—8 liters and 16 liters. They include an internal insulated lining in expanded polystyrene and an external layer of packaging in hydrophobic cardboard. The internal lining includes pockets for inserting and lodging eutectic plates (cold blocks), as well as for the temperature recorder. On the lid, a precut opening enables a temperature recorder to be installed, with a probe immersed in carbonic ice.

OCT Sante

www.octsante.com

 


BINDER UFUltra-Low-Temperature Freezers

Secure, long-term sample storage

Binder, Bohemia, NY, UF V ultra-low-temperature freezers with Ultra.Guard technology are designed for demanding laboratory environments. The freezers provide a secure, long-term sample storage at temperatures to -86°C. The freezers’ Data.Secure data logger offers a replacement for the traditional chart recorder. An integrated temperature sensor provides redundant temperature monitoring independent of the freezer controller.?Optional features such as a backup emergency CO2 refrigeration system and alarm notification via text message add an additional level of security. Guard.Control optional RFID monitoring system offers a further layer of security by controlling access to the freezer contents, unlocking the door only for authorized personnel and automatically logging all freezer traffic. Binder freezers accommodate as many as 52,800 samples. Model UF V 500 has a 460-liter interior volume, and model UF V 700, a 685-liter interior volume.

Binder

(866) 885-9794; www.binder-oven.us

 


Sartorius Secura_BalanceOpto-Electric Balance

Automatically adjusts for ambient conditions

A new Secura balance from Sartorius, Bohemia, NY, uses the optoelectronic LevelControl sensor, which has been used for years in the Sartorius Cubis series of balances. Unstable ambient conditions, such as temperature fluctuations, have a substantial impact on the results of weight measurements. For this reason, a balance must be calibrated and adjusted at regular intervals as soon as these environmental conditions change. This balance, with its isoCAL function, monitors whether a predefined temperature difference and/or a time limit is exceeded, and calibrates and, if necessary, adjusts the balance automatically using built-in weights. If the balance is not exactly level, the sensor triggers a red alert that is clearly displayed and blocks output of data over the interface port until the balance has been correctly leveled again to prevent uncertain weighing results from being stored and further processed.

Sartorius

(800) 368-7178; www.sartorius.com

 

BioTek 405TouchTouch Sensor

Easily integrated into robotic systems

The 405 Touch from BioTek Instruments Inc, Winooski, Vt, offers a high-resolution touch screen with fast and easy protocol creation and execution. Two integrated USB ports allow multiple users to create and store their own custom protocols, and an LCD display version is also available for integration in robotic systems.

BioTek Instruments Inc

(888) 451-5171; www.biotek.com

 

INSTRUMENTS

Liposcience VanteraLipoprotein Clinical Analyzer

Does not require previous NMR experience

LipoScience Inc, Raleigh, NC, has received FDA 510(k) clearance for the Vantera® Clinical Analyzer. The analyzer combines nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic detection and proprietary signal processing algorithms to identify and quantify concentrations of lipoproteins and, potentially, small molecule metabolites. It requires no previous knowledge of NMR technology. The first assay cleared on this new in vitro diagnostic platform is low-density lipoprotein particle number (LDL-P). LDL-P is a key component of the company’s NMR LipoProfile® test, which provides physicians and their patients with actionable information to personalize management of risk for heart disease from a single blood sample.

LipoScience Inc

(877) 547-6837; www.liposcience.com

 


Sysmex XN-3000Scalable, Compact Hematology Analyzers

Labs can implement advanced clinical parameters

Sysmex America Inc, Lincolnshire, Ill, has received FDA clearance for the Sysmex® XN-Series Hematology Analyzers, which enable laboratories of any size to implement advanced clinical parameters, including an all-new fluorescent platelet channel for immature platelet fraction (IPF) to aid in the differential diagnosis of thrombocytopenia. The scalable, series-wide compact design delivers a smaller footprint that optimizes speed and functionality and provides automation benefits across the entire XN-Series. The series includes the Sysmex XN-1000, 2000, and 3000 models. The Sysmex XN-9000, coupled with tube sorting and archiving, HbA1c automation, and powered by Intelligent Automation from the Sysmex WAM™, carries the Lavender Top Management® capabilities for the management of more than 90% of most labs’ lavender top tubes.

Sysmex America Inc

(866) 779-7639; www.sysmex.com/us

 

TESTING/DIAGNOSTICS


GoldStandard TestosteroneTestosterone Testing

Measures levels of all forms in the bloodstream

A new test from Gold Standard Diagnostics, Davis, Calif, attains a direct ELISA measurement of free testosterone in a single step. Total Testosterone measures levels of all forms in the bloodstream, including unbound (free), loosely bound to albumin, and tightly bound to sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Many common factors influence SHBG levels. As a result, a Total Testosterone assessment may yield a normal result, but due to higher or lower levels of testosterone-SHBG bonding, the concentration of free testosterone may not correlate directly with Total Testosterone readings. Compared to indirect, multistep testing algorithms, the company’s FDA-cleared free testosterone products save labs time and money while reducing the possibility of errors, the company says.

Gold Standard Diagnostics 

(530) 759-8000; www.gsdx.us  

 

 

AUDIT brahms_procal_linearityProcalcitonin Linearity Set

Five levels of linearity materials 

AUDIT MicroControls Inc, Carlsbad, Calif, introduces a new addition to its line of calibration verification/linearity products. The Audit® MicroCV™ Procalcitonin Linearity Set for use with BRAHMS PCT sensitive Kryptor has five levels of linearity material, which allows for complete monitoring of that specific test system’s reportable range, as defined by the manufacturer. Packaged as 5 x 1 mL, this lyophilized product has a shelf life of 2 years and an open-vial stability of 24 hours when stored at 2° to 8°C. Recently adopted CLIA-88 regulations state that each laboratory revalidate each of its test method’s analytical measurement range (AMR) at least every 6 months as well as following changes in lots of analytically critical reagents or major system components.

AUDIT MicroControls

(866) 252-8348; www.auditmicro.com 

 


AdvanDX QuickFISH-2Rapid Pathogen ID Test

Results in 20 minutes

AdvanDx Inc, Woburn, Mass, introduces QuickFISH™, a new rapid pathogen identification test for potential life-threatening bloodstream infections. The test marks an advance in time-to-result that will help optimize antibiotic therapy much earlier for patients with bloodstream infections, including septicemia, caused by dangerous bacterial pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci. QuickFISH is a rapid, molecular diagnostic platform based on proprietary PNA technology. The new platform enables 20-minute species identification of bacteria directly from positive blood cultures, allowing the reporting of pathogen identification at the same time as the reporting of Gram stain results.

AdvanDx Inc

(866) 376-0009; www.AdvanDx.com

 


GenMark eSensorRVP Test Clears FDA

Differentiates 14 influenza-like illnesses

GenMark Diagnostics Inc, Carlsbad, Calif, has received FDA 510(k) clearance for its eSensor® Respiratory Virus Panel for use on its XT-8 system. This test is intended to simultaneously detect and differentiate 14 clinically relevant viruses from patients with influenza-like illness. With rapid processing and minimal hands-on time required from laboratory staff, the test enables clinical labs to rapidly report actionable patient results to physicians, while efficiently managing the fluctuating testing workload associated with this seasonal illness.

GenMark Diagnostics Inc

(800) 373-6767; www.genmarkdx.com

 


BD VeritorNew RSV Test Provides Reliable Results in Minutes

FDA-cleared for nasopharyngeal wash, aspirate, swab in transport media specimens

BD Diagnostics, Franklin Lakes, NJ, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) has received FDA 510(k) clearance for nasopharyngeal wash, aspirate, and swab in transport media specimens on the BD Veritor™ System for rapid detection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This new product is cleared for use in clinical settings. The system, with proprietary technologies, helps deliver an accurate read by providing reliable, objective results on a handheld reader with an easy-to-read digital display. The advanced particle technology along with improved chemistries helps improve the sensitivity of the test, while the adaptive read technology helps reduce false-positive results by examining and compensating for many of the effects of nonspecific binding, which improves specificity.

BD

(800) 675-0908; www.bd.com/ds/veritorsystem

 

Focus Molecular_Influenza_RSVMolecular Influenza and Respiratory Virus Testing

Moderate-complexity molecular test

Focus Diagnostics, Cypress, Calif, a business of Quest Diagnostics, and 3M, St Paul, Minn, have received FDA 510(k) clearance and CLIA moderate-complexity categorization for the Simplexa Flu A/B & RSV Direct test on the 3M™ Integrated Cycler. The new test aids in the qualitative detection and differentiation of RNA of influenza A and B viruses and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), common causes of respiratory illness. This is the first moderate-complexity molecular test from the Focus Diagnostics’ Simplexa product line. Moderate-complexity labs, defined by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), include certain types of physician’s offices, community hospitals, health clinics, and integrated delivery networks. The test does not require the time-consuming nucleic extraction process required by many molecular tests, and can be performed and produce results within an hour.

Focus Diagnostics

(800) 445-0185; www.Focusdx.com