TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE Convenience of optimised disc dispensing
Mast has announced the launch of its new fourth-generation antibiotic disc dispenser, re-engineered to optimise performance of dispensing antibiotic susceptibility test (AST), combination and identification discs in the Mastdiscs range. The DiscMaster 4 is available in a
convenient six-place format in line with the EUCAST disc-diffusion methodology. Owing to its innovative design, the DiscMaster 4 offers an in-use shelf life of four weeks for
Detecting inflammation
The Microsemi CRP from Horiba offers faster, more accurate decision-making to support the treatment of infection and inflammation. The combined measurement of full blood count (FBC), differential and C-reactive protein (CRP) helps to reduce diagnostic uncertainty, particularly in paediatric patients. The Microsemi CRP is compact and easy to use, providing analysis anywhere from clinics and accident and emergency (A&E) to the community. Results are available in just four minutes from 18 µL capillary or venous blood, facilitating rapid decision-making at the point of care.
www.horiba.com/uk/medical
General purpose disinfectant
Anachem’s Microsol 4 decontaminant, a blend of twin-chain quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) and amphoretic biocides has proven efficacy against bacteria, fungi, viruses, yeasts and DNA/RNA. This general purpose laboratory
disinfectant is effective against key human pathogenic microorganisms and interacts with DNA and RNA molecules to damage their secondary structure, deactivating them within blood, plasma or other samples. As a result, Microsol 4 serves as a suitable decontamination for pipettes and surfaces for use in molecular biology laboratories and when carrying out DNA profiling for forensic applications. However, it is not limited to the
laboratory alone. Microsol 4 can also be used in washroom areas, for food preparation surfaces and for surface decontamination of instruments and electrical appliances.
www.anachem.co.uk
THE BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST AUGUST 2016
all antimicrobials including the carbapenem group. The DiscMaster 4 is presented in a canister
with new soft silicone seals, providing improved protection against moisture when used with Mast silica gel capsules (SILICA63). In addition, the automatic ‘lock-off’ functionality indicates when the final disc has been dispensed from a cartridge, permitting users to replenish their supply.
sales@mastgrp.com.
Quantitative measurement of HbA1c in the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus
Sebia has achieved the CE mark for its HbA1c capillary electrophoresis technique to be used for the diagnosis of diabetes. Sebia’s capillary electrophoresis, until recently only used for monitoring patients, can now be used in laboratories equipped with Sebia’s devices (Capillarys 3 TERA, Capillarys 2 Flex Piercing, Minicap Flex Piercing), in all countries where the CE marking is required, for the diagnosis of diabetes. Sebia’s technique uses quantitative
measurement of HbA1c. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently recommended the use of HbA1c for diabetes diagnosis. An HbA1c value of 48 mmol/mol in
IFCC/ SI units (6.5% NGSP units) or higher can be used as a cut-off for the diagnosis of diabetes. The technique can also help
to identify patients who may be at risk of developing diabetes (pre-diabetes). As it does not require fasting, an HbA1c
sample can be collected on the patient’s first visit to the clinic. When using traditional diabetes testing, such as the fasting plasma glucose method (FPG), patients are expected to fast overnight, usually for eight to 12 hours. The accuracy of FPG testing relies on patient compliance; this presents a major barrier to follow-up and receiving a diagnosis from the clinician. Furthermore, when the FPG samples are collected, the glucose concentrations decrease over the following two hours, even when a preservative is used, whereas the HbA1c samples are stable; there is no change in concentration from the time of collection to analysis.
www.sebia.com
Advanced pipetting for compliance, control, comfort and convenience
The Picus NxT electronic pipette, available from Alpha Laboratories, offers conformance to the strictest laboratory regulations. With its advanced programmability, security, calibration and traceability features, Picus NxT is designed for complete compliance in the controlled laboratory. For full traceability, quality and reliability of
results, calibration of pipettes in compliance with ISO 17025 is essential. Every Picus NxT is delivered with a certificate of accredited three-point calibration according to ISO 17025 and ISO 8655 standards. In addition, service and calibration reminders according to time and/or cycle intervals can be programmed into the pipette to ensure it is always maintained according to GLP and ISO standards. The pipette locking feature prevents the pipette being used while awaiting service or repair, and each pipette is RFID-enabled to support asset management and record keeping.
Offering complete consistency in use,
Picus NxT user-defined pipetting protocols enable the user to create and save up to 10 custom pipetting protocols by combining a maximum of 10 pipetting and advanced function combinations. This makes it possible to carry out an entire workflow simply by pressing a button. Picus NxT includes two-level password
protection, for administrator and user profiles, to prevent unauthorised modifications to settings. This ensures work is always done in accordance with laboratory guidelines and SOPs. Other laboratory consumables include
Pastettes, pipette tips, pipettes, general liquid handling, microtubes and racks, and PCR consumables. The diagnostics portfolio offers specialist
assays, controls, reagents and hardware systems.
www.alphalabs.co.uk/picusnxt
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