75 Sample Prep Delivers Faster Time to Detection and Lower Contamination
Invitech Ltd is pleased to announce availability of NAC-PAC™ N30, a convenient, systematic approach to pre-analytical AFB (acid fast bacilli) specimen processing. NAC-PAC improves recovery of positive AFB specimens (most notably Mycobacteria) and helps to reduce the number of contaminated / reprocessed samples through rigid control of pH throughout pre-analytical processing. Laboratories can now benefit from a unique, easy-to-use format that can improve recovery of Mycobacteria, ensure fewer false positive results, and increase diagnostic effectiveness.
Developed and manufactured by specialist company Alpha-Tec Systems, NAC-PAC is a complete package of AFB specimen preparation reagents for processing in a 30ml centrifuge tube. It is designed to be used in a safety cabinet and is conveniently packaged as a box of four individual bench packs, each of which will liquefy and process 10 patient specimens. The bench packs contain: NALC and NALC Diluent, NAC-PAC Red™ decontamination solution, NPC-67™ Neutralising Buffer, and Pellet Resuspension Buffer.
Optimising pre-analytical specimen preparation is an often overlooked aspect of the diagnostic process that can have a meaningful impact on the final result. The preparation process prior to the culture of Mycobacteria is inherently complex, and, if performed incorrectly, it can lead to a reduction in diagnostic effectiveness. By bringing together all the reagents necessary in an easy-to-use format that fosters systematic processing technique real improvements in the speed and accuracy of the final result can be achieved.
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Measuring Air Velocity Control Company’s new Traceable®
Micro-Anemometer/Thermometer unit measures air velocity in five user-selectable values: meters per second, feet per second, miles
per hour, kilometers per hour, and knots. It also displays: maximum airflow measured, temperature in degrees F and C, and wind chill temperature in degrees F and C. Measurements are lightening fast with reading updates 2 times per second.
Simple one-button operation eliminates the need to refer to directions. Tough ABS plastic housing and water-resistant design keeps out moisture, dust and dirt, assuring a long life. High contrast LCD digits are over 3/8-inch-high and easy to read. Electro luminescent backlight allows the display to be read in total darkness.
To assure accuracy an individually serial-numbered Traceable® Certificate is provided from an ISO 17025 calibration laboratory accredited by A2LA. It indicates traceability
to standards provided by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology). Rugged ABS plastic case is 1-3/4 x 4 x 5/8 inches. Weight is 1 ounce. Supplied with lanyard, nylon carry case and long-life lithium battery.
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Uncovering Cellular Interactions with Nanometer-Scale Resolution
An ultrasensitive high speed camera has helped US researchers see the 3D spatial relationship between cellular structures – mitochondria and microtubules – with nanometre-scale resolution, for the first time.
Three-dimensional stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (3D STORM) can resolve fine structural detail with a lateral (x,y) resolution of 20-30nm and axial (z) resolution of 50-60nm, using photo-activatable fluorescent labels and a camera sensitive enough to detect single molecules.
The STORM approach uses sequential imaging of single fluorophore molecules as they toggle between bright and dark states. By exciting only a stochastic subset of single labels with an activating pulse of laser, one obtains a low light image of individual molecules that can be discerned as single diffraction-limited spots. This allows the position of each fluorescent molecule to be determined with nanometer precision. Such repeated cycles of pulses allow the position of all molecules to be determined, and subsequently the construction of a super- resolution image from these precisely determined fluorophore positions.
This is the first study to use 3D STORM to visualise the spatial relationships between nano-scale structures in cells. Understanding how these structures interact paves the way for future research into cellular processes.
The team from Harvard University used an ultra-sensitive iXonEM+ Electron-Multiplying CCD scientific camera from Andor Technology to capture whole monkey kidney cell images from an Olympus inverted microscope. Andor’s iXonEM+ EMCCD camera is capable of detecting single photons released by the isolated fluorophore molecules.
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Rack Runner Robot
Hamilton Storage Technologies has introduced the Rack Runner – a fast, flexible robotic tool that can integrate multiple -20˚ and -80˚C Sample Access Manager (SAM) storage systems into a cluster or link storage with a Hamilton liquid handling workstation. The Rack Runner’s range enables scalable integration of multiple Hamilton and third party systems including incubators, readers, washers and shakers. The Rack Runner is designed to meet the evolving storage needs of customers in biobanking, virus banking, DNA and RNA research and pharmaceutical discovery and development. Users can start with a single SAM, adding and linking additional systems as capacity requirements grow in the future.
The small and agile Rack Runner moves on a linear drive that is extendable from 80 centimeters to eight meters. With wireless control, the robot moves at up to 2.5 meters per second. Elimination of moving cables makes the robot more robust than other tools and reduces maintenance requirements. The robot’s gripper is equipped with force sensors to guarantee secure gripping, delivery and positioning of the plates and racks. A Plexiglas housing with locked access doors ensures user safety.
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INTERNATIONAL LABMATE - FEBRUARY/MARCH 2010 - LABORATORY PRODUCTS
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