High-Sensitndty CRP Assay
A new high-sensitivity test for C-reactive protein has been cleared as an independent predictor of risk for future cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Called N High Sensitivity CRP, the assay is the product of Dade Behring (Deerfield, IL, USA; www.dadebehring.com). When used in conjunction with traditional clinical laboratory evaluation of acute coronary syndromes, the test may also be useful for risk stratification in patients with stable coronary disease or acute coronary syndromes. Experts on heart disease recommend against screening the entire population as a public health measure. However, they concluded that measurement of high-sensitivity CRP is an independent marker of risk in those judged to be at intermediate risk (i.e., 10-20% risk of coronary disease over 10 years) and may be useful in determining the need for further evaluation and therapy in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. “Having this expanded use cleared by the FDA is key for the millions of people at risk for heart disease,” said Jim Reid-Anderson, chairman, president, and CEO, Dade Behring. “This clearance follows our earlier lead in licensing the high-sensitivity CRP assay for cardiac risk assessment.”
High Performance Hematology Analyzer
A new hematology analyzer deslgned for mid to high-volume laboratories features advanced three-dimensional volume, conductivity, scatter (VCS) technology, and offers complete blood counts with five-part differential analysis.
Called the LH 500, the analyzer is the product of Beckman Coulter (Fullerton, CA, US; www.beckmancoulter.com). which states that the VCS technology provides the highest level of sensitivity, specificity, and efficiency in white blood cell (WBC) differential analysis. The instruments expanded linearity limits extend from 0-200,000 cells/l for WBCs, while platelet linearity extends from 0-2 million cells/l. The LH 500 helps reduce operator intervention by offering continuous sample loading for walk-away operation. The system allows user-defined decision rules, which can then be transferred to Coulter LH 700 series hematology instruments, simplifying system set-up and lab performance across multiple systems. Around 20,000 sets of results and graphics can be stored on the instrument. The system integrates seamlessly with Coulter LH 700 series Instruments and has virtually the same user interface, eliminating the need for technologist training.
Stat Profile® Critical Care Xpress
The All-ln-One Analyzer
For Blood Gases, C0-0ximetry/ Electrolytes and Chemistry
More Tests, More Menus
Critical Care Xpress is a Consolidated stat analyzer with up to 19 measured whole blood tests plus 29 calculated tests on board. Seven standard menus, from 3 to 19 tests, provide a choice of popular critical care assays. Beyond these standard models, an analyzer can be configured with custom test menu choices.
Small Size
Although Critical Care Xpress can incorporate morę on-board tests than any other critical care analyzer, it is elegantly designed with an o verall size of only 17 x 22 x 17 inches. Critical Care Xpress is 20-40% smaller than comparable instruments and is easily transported on its mobile cart.
Less Work
• A fully automated, on-board QC system eliminates manual quality control, dramatically reducing labor time and cost.
• The AutoCheck automated maintenance program allows the operator to initiate maintenance then walk away from the analyzer. Priming, calibration, and quality control are all performed automatically.
• A single, snap-in reagent pack eliminates multiple reagent bottles, bulky gas tanks, regulators, humidifiers, and the waste containers needed in other analyzers.
Coagulation Analyzer for Small Laboratories
A new coagulation analyzer with a compact footprint is designed for low-volume laboratories. The analyzer has been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The analyzer enables smaller laboratories to specialty testing, including quantitative D-dimer and heparin anti-Xa, used to detect the activity of heparin in plasma. The analyzer, called Sysmex CA-560, can process up to 60 tests per hour, with capability for five-parameter random access. The analyzer, from Dade Behring (Deerfield, IL, USA; www.dadebehring.com). can store data on 300 samples and has onboard capacity for 60 reaction tube cuvettes.
This new analyzer offers complete random access testing, with clotting, chromogenic, and
immunologic detection simultaneously,” noted Jackie Hauser, marketing manager, Dade Bering Hemostasis. “With these features, plus the specialty assay capabilities, we can now provide smaller-volume customers with optimal features, all in a compact unit.”
Portable POC Blood Coagulation System
A whole-blood coagulation system is designed to provide rapid test results in point-of-care (POC) settings.
The system, called Gem PCL Plus coagulation laboratory, offers a comprehensive critical-care testing port-1 folio, including coagulation, blood gases, electrolytes, and metabolites. Maintenance free, the system offers fully automated sample measuring and mixing and can handle fresh or citrated whole-blood samples. The system is the product of Instrumentation Laboratory (IL, Lexington, MA, USA; www.il.com). and it can be used with IL’s Gem Premier 3000 analyzer in the laboratory. The Gem Premier 3000 utilizes planar sensors that enable the analyzer to provide exceptional performance, states IL.
“The Gem PCL Plus is ideal for use in point-of-care settings where quick and accurate coagulation test/ results are crucial,” noted Patti Eames, director of critical care marketing at IL. “In combination with the Gem Premier 3000 analyzer, it offers a powerful and complete panel of critical analytes for operating rooms, intensive care units, emergency departments and other critical care hospital departments.”