Spotlight Sample Preparation & Processing Faster, Easier Sampling from 96-Well Plates


Saving time and minimising effort in the laboratory, yet producing products that contribute toward high quality results, are the main objectives behind the development of the Cleaver Scientific (CSL) range of electrophoresis products. The range now includes the compact CSL multiSUB Midi 96 and 96 Stretch system which can be used in conjunction with samples from 96 well plates to allow direct loading and easy identification of samples.


With an average run-time of just 15 to 30 minutes, the Midi 96 system enables rapid identification of samples with direct and rapid sample loading facilitated using 8 channel pipettes. Four comb options are available – 8MC with 1 or 2 marker lanes in 1 or 1.5mm thickness. The run length between lanes is 1.8cm for the MSMIDI96 version and 3.6cm for the Stretch version. The Stretch


version also has the capability for increased capacity allowing samples from two Micro titre plates to be loaded.


Flexibility and choice are among the key features of the CSL range of gel electrophoresis tanks which comprises horizontal and vertical gel electrophoresis tanks, blotting systems, comet assay, cellulose acetate, 2-D systems, power supplies, DNA sequencers and gel documentation systems. These are suitable for a variety of DNA, RNA and protein gel electrophoresis applications and analysis.


Constructed using the latest injection moulding technology and made from durable, resistant materials, the tanks offer innovative and easy-to-use leak-proof gel casting to save time in the laboratory. Among the innovations and choices offered are more options for gel size, sample number and volume, along with five thicknesses of comb. Also, there are more preparative, high sample number and multi-channel pipette compatible comb options and combs, which are height adjustable and warp proof.


There are also options for the type of comb with convenient double-sided, two combs in one and combination combs that include a loading guide on the reverse aiding sample loading.


Circle no. 580


To simplify quality assurance and UVA Protection Factor analysis for the development and testing of sunscreen and cosmetics using Labsphere’s UV-2000s transmittance analySer, the company has introduced the UV2000S Sample Preparation Starter Kit. The kit brings together all the tools needed to prepare the correct in-vitro sunscreen sample common to Boot Star, COLIPA, FDA, and user-defined SPF measurement methods.


While sample preparation methods vary by region, the tools needed to prepare the sample are the same. The easy to use kit contains: a tube of Vaseline®


, one positive displacement Aluminium Tube Decapper Avoids Need to Thaw Samples


For laboratories handling smaller numbers of cryogenically stored samples - the new Aluminium Decapper-8 from Micronic Europe BV enables quick and simple opening of lightly frozen sample storage tubes.


With increasing pressure to ensure long term stored sample integrity - more and more laboratories are turning


to cryostorage solutions. However, accessing cryostored samples without subjecting them to the potential degradation that can arise from repeated freeze/thaw cycles has until now presented a challenge.


The sturdy Aluminium Decapper-8 offers users the ability to simultaneously open a row of eight lightly frozen capped storage tubes thereby avoiding the need to first thaw your samples. Compatible with wide ranging tube sizes (0.50ml, 0.75ml, 1.10ml, 1.40ml and 2.50ml) the Aluminium Decapper-8 offers quick, convenient and smooth removal of lightly frozen tube caps.


Micronic also offers a range of low cost manual tools for removing TPE (Thermo Plastic Elastomer) and Screw Caps from sample storage tubes. Constructed in solvent-resistant polypropylene the Manual Decapper-1 is the perfect tool for users looking to remove individual TPE Caps. The polypropylene Manual Decapper-8 offers users the ability to remove individual caps in rows of eight, or one Capband-8, at a time. For screw cap tubes, Micronic offers a unique 'one turn' Screw Capping/Decapping tool.


Dedicated to the design and production of innovative sample storage tubes, accessories and instruments over the last 25 years, Micronic is uniquely able to offer laboratories the expert advice to help them safeguard one of its most valuable assets - its samples.


Circle no. 581


Importance of Effective Sample Collection for MRSA Screening


A documentary entitled ‘Tackling MRSA and Other Hospital Related Infections’, broadcast on NHS 247 TV (Sky channel 166; Freesat channel 402) throughout December 2009, stressed the importance of good sample collection in MRSA screening programmes. The film, which covered all aspects of MRSA infection control, introduced a new, specialised MRSA swabbing kit, the Copan e-Swab MRSA kit from Sterlin, which greatly enhances the collection of specimens for MRSA screening.


Good sample collection is critical to the successful isolation of any infectious agent from a patient. The new Copan ‘flocked’ swab offers several advantages over traditional swabs. The moulded plastic tip base is electrostatically coated with high density, perpendicular nylon fibres to produce a flocked pile. This brush- like structure allows both the efficient removal of the sample from the body surface and the uptake of liquid through capillary action. In addition, since the shape of the swab is determined by the shape of the plastic moulding, the flocked pile is only 1-2mm deep. This allows the sample to remain close to the surface of the swab at all times, enabling efficient sample release and improved recovery rates.


Two Copan flocked swab products are available for MRSA screening. The standard Copan e-Swab is for the collection and transport of individual patient samples and the Copan e-Swab MRSA kit is for the collection and transport of up to three samples from a single patient. Sampling multiple sites maximises the chances of identifying MRSA colonisation. All three swabs from a single patient can then be concentrated into a single aliquot of liquid medium, which can be processed as a single sample, keeping laboratory workload to a minimum.


Circle no. 582


Pipette (10 -1uL Range), one box of Pipette Capillaries and Pistons (25uL), one box of Pipette Capillaries (100uL), one box of Non-Powdered Finger Cots, and Sample Preparation Guide. The guide was created and tested by application experts at Labsphere to familiarise users with sample preparation processes, assist in establishing correct standards, and to help ensure consistent results from one test to another.


Labsphere’s UV-2000s transmittance analyser benchtop R&D system is designed to rapidly measure the spectral transmittance of sunscreen products, especially those with high protection factors SPF 50 and above, as well as UVA/UVB protection factor. The instrument measures the diffuse transmittance of a product sample over the 250nm – 450nm ultraviolet wavelength range. Its application software automatically converts measurement data to provide the Sun Protective Factor (SPF), UVA to UVB ratio, critical wavelength, Boot Star Rating, and UVA-PF (COLIPA Method). The platform allows users to view, archive, retrieve and export data for measurements on both bare substrates and product substrates and supports evolving regional methods with subscription-based updates.


Circle no. 583


Heating, Cooling and Stirring Viscous Samples in Parallel


The Radleys Tornado is the ideal synthesis solution for stirring both viscous samples and delicate solids, where conventional magnetic stirring is not suitable.


Magnetic stirring, using PTFE stirring bars or fleas, is not suitable for viscous samples, because the magnetic stirring bars simply do not have the power to mix the sample. Also


where a chemistry requires the dispersing of delicate solids or resins, magnetic stirring bars can damage the sample by grinding. Hence there is a need for a system that can offer powerful mechanical or overhead stirring that is more suited to these and similar applications.


The Tornado system evenly distributes high-torque stirring from a conventional overhead stirrer to six round bottom flasks, from 50ml to 250ml, and is the only parallel synthesiser that offers overhead stirring, heating, cooling, refluxing and an inert atmosphere to six positions simultaneously.


The Tornado delivers overhead stirring at a fraction of the cost of multiple systems, coping with even highly viscous liquids (up to 10,000 cps at 500 rpm). Innovative ‘pinch-grip’ stirrer guides on each of the 6 flasks maintain an inert atmosphere during stirring and allow rapid exchange of stirrer shafts. The Tornado accepts a range of round bottom flasks from 50ml to 250ml, including flasks with wide necks, sidearms and integral baffles.


Circle no. 584


Sample Prep Kit Streamlines UV2000 Sample Testing


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