YSI Offers Glucose and Lactate Measurement Systems
The YSI 2300 STAT PlusT, a dedicated glucose and lactate analyzer, makes precise glucose measurements on whole blood, plasma, or serum; and precise lactate measurement in whole blood, plasma, or cerebrospinal fluid. The analyzer’s hematocrit-correction option allows glucose results to be expressed as plasma even when running whole blood.

Results can be obtained in 1 minute or less, and the analyzer requires a small sample, making it practical in neonate applications. Small sample size, low cost of operation, and simplicity of use combine to make the 2300 STAT PlusT ideal for work in hospital labs, endocrinology and diabetes clinics, cardiac rehab centers, clinical research laboratories, and the glucometer manufacturing industry.

YSI Life Sciences
(800) 659-8895; www.YSI.com/lifesciences

Nanogen Launches CFTR ASRs
Nanogen’s CFTR ASRs*, the newest in the NGEN™ brand of molecular reagents, are primers and probes that target mutations associated with the cystic fibrosis gene. They can be used by laboratories to develop and optimize in-house test methods, such as population-carrier screening.

The NGEN CFTR reporter reagent contains oligonucleotides targeting the 23 ACOG/ACMG recommended wild type and mutant sequences. Additionally, probes for the benign mutations I506V, I507V, and F508C, as well as the poly T variants, are included. The fluorescently labeled allele-specific probes, when used with an appropriate fluorescence-detection technology, provide an objective measure for genotyping each polymorphism individually.

A primer mix for the amplification of sequences for more than 600 CFTR mutations is available separately, and provides the laboratory with the flexibility to target the mutations they need for CFTR testing should they opt to develop tests to report more than the recommended 23 mutations. NGEN CFTR ASRs allow the laboratory to develop tests and to perform CFTR population-carrier screening in-house, while meeting the standard of care.

Like all NGEN-brand reagents, these new CFTR reagents are specifically designed for PCR amplification, SNP genotyping, insertion/deletion detection, or pathogen-sequence detection by use of a two-color fluorescence-detection system. The product line includes reagents for the detection of mutations associated with Factor V/Prothrombin; Hereditary Hemochromatosis; and sequences associated with respiratory syncytial virus, influenza A and B, and parainfluenza 1, 2, and 3.

* The analytical and performance characteristics of analyte-specific reagents are not established.

Nanogen Inc
(877) 626-6436; www.nanogen.com

Hardy Diagnostics Introduces Carrot Broth Kit
Hardy Diagnostics’ Strep B Carrot Broth™ Kit is used for the selective enrichment and identification of beta-hemolytic group B streptococci (Streptococcus agalactiae) from clinical specimens. Approximately 10% to 35% of women are asymptomatic carriers of group B streptococci (GBS) in the genital and gastrointestinal tracts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all pregnant women be screened for vaginal and rectal GBS colonization between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation. Carrot Broth is inoculated directly from ano-vaginal specimens. For positive specimens, a color change in the broth to orange or red can be noted in as little as 6 hours after incubation. No further confirmation tests or subculturing is required after the color change is seen.

Carrot Broth was found to be 99% sensitive and 100% specific for specimens with 10(8) CFUs/mL of Group B Strep organisms. The Hardy Diagnostics Carrot Broth decreases turnaround time and lowers overall costs, since positive results do not need further testing or subculturing.

Hardy Diagnostics
(800) 266-2222; www.hardydiagnostics.com