AACC 2010

During the opening of the AACC Plenary Sessions, Dr John Q Trojanowski credited biomarkers for recent advances in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, thus kicking off key addresses that focused on policies relating to health reform; embryonic stem cells derived from non-human primates; cardiovascular disease prevention, and included an address by pioneering biomedical scientist Leroy Hood MD PhD, of the Institute for Systems Biology, who has proposed that genome and DNA sequencing be the basis of a new healthcare system centred on the four Ps: Predictive, Preventive, Personalised and Participatory.

International experts in science, medicine and technology also discussed cardiac and tumour markers, molecular pathology, point of care (POC) testing, infectious diseases, lab automation and management.

Beckman Coulter showed its expanded chemistry and automation portfolio that offers total lab solutions from a single vendor with a global presence. These included the compact AU480 and AU680 chemistry systems, the fastest AU Analyser ever designed, the AU5840. The company also reported that its new automation systems for sample processing -- AutoMate 1200 and AutoMate 2550 will optimise and streamline pre- and post-analytical work by eliminating many of the manual steps that occur between sample collection and analysis.

Among new products, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics showed the syngo Lab Process Manager, software that simplifies workflow with an integrated technology platform that consolidates and visualises critical information at one central location. Automation solutions included the Advia Automation Centrifuge Module that processes up to 300 tubes/hour and can be customised, and a refrigeration module for StreamLAB storing up to 15,000 multiple tube types and sizes. The Advia LabCell and WorkCell automation systems can now be connected to the Dimension Vista 1500 Intelligent Laboratory System, thus combining the benefit of an integrated chemistry and immunoassay system with the productivity and capacity of a high-volume automation system.

Also from Siemens, a new POC instrument -- Clinitek Status Connect System -- in conjunction with the Multistix family of urinalysis test strips, provides flexible connectivity, data integration and operational control to reduce risk in POC testing environments. New assays include the fully automated MPO assay on the Dimension System, which predicts a patient’s risk of major adverse cardiac events; new hepatitis assays; and a new fully automated chemi-luminescent immunoassay, which is now available on the ADVIA Centaur CP System.

Abbott showcased novel tests and new upgrades to testing platforms: The Architect HIV Antigen/Antibody Combo Assay, a first-of-its-kind test that detects HIV infection earlier than ever before; a molecular assay for identification of Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea; an enhanced integrated analyser, the Architect Plus, which offers significant workflow improvements.

Thermo Fisher Scientific announced the European launch of the QMS Everolimus Immunoassay Reagent kit as the newest product among immunosuppressant drug monitoring products. This kit enables quantitative determination of Everolimus in whole blood, an active ingredient in Certican, on automated clinical chemistry analysers. Thermo Fisher’s other innovations included the new Versette automated liquid handling platform, the Direct TIBC Reagent (dTIBC), reported to increase the accuracy of results by as much as 20%; the Jewett refrigerator and freezer, specifically designed to store high-value, critical samples, reagents, vaccines, blood and plasma, and a Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Control, the newest product in its immunoassay quality control portfolio.

AACC 2011: 24-28 July, Atlanta, Georgia

Details: www.aacc.org
 

07.09.2010

• automation (193)
• laboratory (1071)
• medical technology (1478)