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Unique System Proven to Improve Laboratory Workflow and Productivity at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Beckman Coulter is pleased to announce the results of recently commissioned independent trials of the new DxN VERIS Molecular Diagnostics System which showed enhanced workflow and productivity over incumbent systems.
A UK trial was undertaken within The Department of Virology at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, whose annual automated workload is approximately 105,000 serology samples (more than 300,000 tests) and 65,000 samples for molecular testing (around 129,000 tests), as well as 60,000 samples for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea testing.
“The Beckman Coulter DxN VERIS Molecular Diagnostics System promised to offer workflow advantages for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV). Together, these particular viral load assays represent a significant proportion of the laboratory’s total workload.
Prior to the DxN VERIS evaluation, three different methods were used for HBV, HCV, HIV-1 and CMV viral load assays at Sheffield, with separate extraction and amplification platforms for each. These methods had instrumentation in at least two, and up to four different rooms, depending on the assay, and involved a large number of manual steps and consumables.
The DxN VERIS assays are supplied in a unique single cartridge system, which saves further time and effort. All the consumables and reagents required are on-board, which reduces set-up time and, unlike traditional batch-plate systems, there are no empty wells, which reduces wastage and consumable costs. With true single sample random access and short assay runtimes (as little as 70 minutes to first result), the DxN VERIS platform allows viral load assays to be performed as soon as they arrive in the laboratory, potentially ensuring faster turnaround times (TAT). By comparison, the DxN VERIS Molecular Diagnostics System is a much simpler process, involving fewer steps and consumables. In addition, since extraction, amplification and detection are consolidated onto a single automated platform, there is no need to move between rooms or to stand over the system to transfer samples between functions.
An independent time/workflow analysis study was performed by Nexus Global Solutions comparing the workflows and time to results between the existing platforms and the DxN VERIS for HBV, HCV, HIV and CMV. DxN VERIS samples were run as single sample random access which meant that, even if samples arrived in the late afternoon, they could be loaded straight on to the system, which is much faster than daily batch testing. Analysis of complexity of use determined that existing methods required 29 or 30 steps, whereas the DxN VERIS methods required only 11 steps.
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Moisture Analyser Incorporates Speed and Intuitive Features
With simple operation and quick response time, Adam Equipment’s PMB moisture analyser is top in its class for value. Two PMB models are available: the PMB 53 offers a capacity of 50g and provides results at 0.01%/0.001g, while the PMB 202 offers a capacity of 200g and provides results at 0.05%/.01g.
The PMB’s automatic test-setting function enables easy recall for frequent testing of the same items without additional user programming. USB and RS-232 interfaces provide speedy connectivity, while a second USB port allows storage of test programs and data on a flash drive. PMB moisture analysers are self-contained, needing neither additional software nor a network connection for readings. Users can collect data on a production floor or anywhere power is available.
A 400-watt halogen bulb heats samples in 1°C selectable increments. Three heating options allow test methods and temperatures to be customised for different materials.
The PMB offers rugged metal housing, automatic external calibration, capacity tracker and a levelling bubble. A pan lifter is included to easily remove samples. With rapid response time and intuitive features, the PMB moisture analyser is ideal for a range of applications.
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New Test Method for Acid Number in Crude Oil
A new test method for the determination of the acid number in crude oil and petroleum refinery intermediates and products from Metrohm is under active investigation by ASTM (ASTM WK48004). The subject has also been discussed comprehensively in a C&EN webinar, which is available on demand. The new method is superior to ASTM D664 on all levels: It is more accurate, more precise, more reliable, more robust, and more repeatable. Moreover, it is significantly faster than the ASTM D664 potentiometric method, and because it uses much less solvent, reagent and waste disposal costs are much lower.
The thermometric endpoint titration (TET) method utilises the same titrant (0.1 mol/L KOH in 2-propanol) as ASTM D664. Instead of using a potentiometric probe (which is liable to fouling of the membrane and clogging of the reference junction after only a couple of determinations), the endpoint is detected using a highly sensitive, fast responding electronic thermometer.
This probe requires essentially no maintenance aside from a solvent rinse, needs no hydration, requires no calibration, and is ready for use 24/7. It can be used by operators as a ‘walk-up’ method, or fully automated with a sample changer in the laboratory. Because the method is so fast, corrective response to varying process conditions can be much faster, with consequent savings to equipment and process running costs.
36627pr@reply-direct.com New Suite of dsDNA Quantification Assays Improving Sensitivity and Dynamic Range Introduced
The new kits are able to accurately measure sample concentrations covering a range of 0.5 pg/µL to 4000 ng/µL, providing a 20X increase in sensitivity and greatly enhanced dynamic range over existing technology.
“Genomics is moving rapidly towards small volume and low concentration samples. At DeNovix, we recently launched a step-change in performance for fluorescence with the DS-11 FX Series instruments and it was clear to us that researchers needed the same improvement from their assays,” said Fred Kielhorn, CEO of DeNovix. “Providing assays that address the needs of researchers working with single and rare cells was a key challenge for our life scientists to meet. We understand that flexibility is key in busy labs so our assays also had to cover the widest possible dynamic range.”
The combination of DeNovix FX Series instruments and assay technology provides an analytical package that removes existing barriers to the limit of detection of fluorescence quantification. A robust 2-point standard curve and simple mix-and-measure assay protocol delivers rapid, error-free set up. Full integration into the DeNovix EasyApps® exporting takes only seconds per sample.
software, pre-installed on all DS-11 FX instruments means sample measurement, data analysis and
DeNovix dsDNA Fluorescence Quantification kits may be purchased via web store (US) or a DeNovix global distributor. Kits are available in 1000 assay or 50 assay evaluation size and include the following products: DeNovix dsDNA Broad Range (0.1 to 4000 ng/µL); DeNovix dsDNA High Sensitivity (5 pg/µL to 250 ng/µL); DeNovix Ultra High Sensitivity (0.5 to 300 pg/µL).
For more information about the DeNovix fluorescence quantification assays, the DS-11 FX Series Spectrophotometer / Fluorometer, or to locate distributors and representatives visit
http://www.denovix.com 36476pr@reply-direct.com
INTERNATIONAL LABMATE - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
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