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Laboratory Focus February/March 2016
Clamps BioPure Technology, part of Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group, announces the release of its BioClamp® patented plastic union tri-clamp. The clamp is designed to meet the specific needs of pharmaceutical and bioprocessing laboratories. The clamp is able reduce distortion on polymeric fittings when subjected to heat and a tamper-evident feature is available on the 1/2” to 8” products, delivering full confidence in the clamp’s integrity. Moreover, the BioClamp is molded from reinforced Nylon 66 USP Class VI, FDA making it suitable for sterilization by autoclave and gamma irradiation. The clamp is also manufactured and packed in an ISO Class 7 clean room and has lot numbers molded in for full traceability.
Web: www.watson-marlow.com
Pipettes Sartorius has introduced a new range of mechanical pipettes called Tacta. The new pipettes are available in a range of volumes from 0.1 to 10,000 μl in single channel models, and from 0.5 to 300 μl in multi-channel models. Its new Sartorius Optiject, levered tip ejection technology, enables controlled and smooth tip ejection with minimum force. The Optiload feature, with spring-loaded tip cones ensures tip loading with perfect sealing. In addition, the new Sartorius Optilock system provides flexible volume adjustment and locking functionalities, and prevents accidental volume changes during pipetting. An added feature includes a clear 4-digit display, which makes the volume easy to read, even when the pipette is at an angle. Moreover, its integrated adjustment functionality and scale show the degree of adjustment and, by noting this value for a specific liquid, the user can return to that setting any time. With only three parts to disassemble and requiring no tools, Tacta pipettes are also particularly quick and easy to clean.
Web: www.sartorius.com
Chromatography The Thermo Scientific Dionex Integrion High-Pressure Ion Chromatography (HPIC) system breaks new ground in productivity and efficiency for environmental, food safety, pharmaceutical and industrial/petrochemical laboratories. The new system delivers features previously available only on Thermo Scientific high-end systems, including high-pressure capability and optional electrochemical detection. With a simple, logical, flow-based plumbing layout and integrated performance features, including whole-system smart monitoring, the Dionex Integrion HPIC offers fast run times. Other system features include easy-to-install IC PEEK Viper Fittings that minimize peak dispersion and band broadening—ultimately improving chromatographic resolution, a detachable tablet with local language support that allows the flexibility to access IC controls even while away from the instrument and finally a thermally regulated detector compartment that provides extended life to consumables.
Web: www.thermoscientific.com
New Products Benchtop Analyzer The Altair™ 240 from EKF Diagnostics is a compact, reliable and fully automated random access benchtop analyzer. With positions for 43 reagents and the ability to configure open channels for your esoteric testing needs, it provides a comprehensive solution tailored to meet the needs of your laboratory. The device is supported by a full-range of bar-coded, liquid-stable, ready-to-use Stanbio Chemistry reagents. The Altair™ 240 automatically reads and manages barcoded reagent bottles and sample tubes. Most reagents have 30-day on-board stability to minimize waste. The intuitive Windows®-based software screens make learning and operating the analyzer quick and easy. Additionally, the device can run up to 400 tests per hour with an optional Ion Sensitive Electrode (ISE) module. Dual reagent probes translate to higher throughput and faster patient turn-around time.
Web: www.ekfdiagnostics.com
Scanners Ziath, maker of sample tracking solutions for use in laboratories and biobanks, has released the HandHeld as the newest addition to its line of scanners. The intelligent device is portable and provides users with the ability to immediately identify tubes and track samples when away from the lab. This includes manual picking from repositories, as well as effective recording when collecting samples in the field. The scanner can be operated using one hand and incorporates a lightweight build and intuitive interface that’s easy enough for anyone in the lab to use. Its portable nature is perfect for a number of underserved applications, including the generation of multiple pick lists for accurate tube selection, vial checking to confirm your sample is what it says it is, and the ability to easily record samples in the field at the point of collection. Since the scanner is battery operated, users have the option to effortlessly enter data about specific samples as soon as they’re scanned – a feature that generally requires the scanner to be connected to a central computer system.
Web: www.ziath.com
Sample Preparation NuGEN Technologies Inc. announces the launch of its Ovation® SoLo RNA-Seq System, the company’s latest sample preparation tool. The Ovation® SoLo kit facilitates research in areas such as blood-borne biomarkers, cellular heterogeneity, and the study of single cell transcriptomics, while providing a complete end-to-end solution for whole transcriptome analyses starting directly from cells or isolated RNA. The system features an improved method for ribosomal depletion of > 90%, efficient cDNA generation from ultra-low inputs that provides a complete representation of the entire transcriptome, and the capability to unambiguously identify PCR duplicates.
Web: www.nugen.com
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