The promise of proteome analysis
By David Loshak
Laboratory
MINDACT
Researchers around the globe are studying whether a genomic test, developed with micro-array technology, is superior to traditional methods in assessing aggressive breast cancer, and therefore could spare a considerable percentage of women from the onslaught of chemotherapy The Breast International Group (BIG) in Brussels, Belgium, manages TRANSBIG, an international network created to avoid…
Aktueller Stunde" zur PSA-gestützten Früherkennung des Prostatakarzinoms
PSA-Kritiker PD Dr. rer. nat. Hans-Hermann Dubben und DGU-Generalsekretär Prof. Dr. Michael Stöckle suchten das Gespräch Selten wurde zwischen den Kritikern und den Befürwortern der PSA-gestützten Früherkennung des Prostatakarzinoms so hart diskutiert. Die Veröffentlichung der randomisierten Studien zum PSA-Screening aus Europa (ERSPC-Studie) und den USA (PLCO-Screeningstudie) hatte in…
Roche and google.org start initiative for early discovery of new diseases
Roche Applied Science and Google.org recently started a joint project to demonstrate the feasibility of developing a multidisciplinary surveillance, research and response system. This system will enhance the ability to predict and prevent emerging infectious diseases in East Africa. The East African region is known as one of the major hot beds for emergence of new infectious viral agents and new…
Silenced genes as a warning sign of blood cancer
In the genetic material of cancer cells, important growth inhibitors are often switched off by chemical labels in the DNA. Scientists of the German Cancer Research Center and the Ohio State University, USA, discovered in mice that cancer-typical DNA labeling occurs long before the first symptoms of leukemia appear. A test for the genetic label might therefore help to detect a developing cancer at…
Hospital Universitari Vall d`Hebron to work with Roche technology
The Research Institute of the Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron (IR-HUVH) in Barcelona is the first Spanish health centre to acquire the Genome Sequencer FLX System from 454 Life Sciences, a Roche company. This new high-performance sequencing system improves the productivity and precision of genome sequencing at IR-HUVH.
What did Michael Jackson die of?
Forensic toxicology is the post-mortem testing for lethal and/or foreign substances in body fluids and tissues, and it can be a very time-consuming process. The media has reported that Michael Jackson's death certificate was issued on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 without listing a cause of death; his brain, or part of it, was being retained for testing; and initial indications are that it may take…
Enhanced performance of Beckman Coulter's Analytical Ultracentrifuge
Newly designed centerpieces used in the Beckman Coulter XL-A and XL-I instruments - the only analytical ultracentrifuges on the market today - allow the systems to provide precise, repeatable measurement of pharmaceutical sample aggregation in pharmaceutical research and formulation laboratories.
Agendia expands laboratory capacity
Agendia announced the official opening of its new headquarters at Amsterdam's Science Park at Watergraafsmeer, Kruislaan 406. The Grand Opening ceremony was officiated by Dr. Rene Bernards, Chief Scientific Officer at Agendia and the Honourable Director General Mrs. R.M. Bergkamp, on behalf of the Honourable Mrs. Maria van der Hoeven, Minster of Economic Affairs for The Netherlands.
Multiple Sclerosis: Benefactors in the Brain
The inflammatory process in the brain of multiple sclerosis patients is triggered by their own immune system. However, there is one type of immune cells that seems to fight against the destructive progress - and might be used for therapeutic purposes in future.
Euromedlab 2009
"In-vitro veritas", the slogan of the 18th European Congress of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, which took place in June, underlined the significance of in vitro diagnostics for healthcare, and the presentations by 90 speakers, in 32 scientific sessions and 29 industry sponsored workshops, demonstrated the rich variety of developments.
The LW C200i Auto Chemistry Analyser
The new LW C200i Auto-chemistry Analyser combines the Stable reaction system, an economical sample and reagent system, advanced and unique optical system, and a comprehensive software system, its manufacturer Landwind Medical reports.
LightCycler MRSA Advanced Test cheats time
How the PCR-Test works The MRSA bacterium contains an additional 'mobile gene cassette' (SCCmec cassette) in its genetic makeup, which contains the so-called mecA gene. All beta-Lactam antibiotics such as Methicillin are therefore no longer effective. The LightCycler MRSA Advanced Test facilitates the detection of all five known SCCmec types within 85 to 100 minutes. This test principle is based…
Beckman Coulter Expands Drugs of Abuse Test
Beckman Coulter, Inc. has expanded its drugs of abuse test menu to include a DRI* Oxycodone Enzyme Immunoassay (OXYX). The assay is for the qualitative and semi-quantitative determination of oxycodone and its metabolite, oxymorphone, in human urine.
EUROMEDLAB 2009
7-11 June Innsbruck, Austria
Test for low fingertip temperature detects coronary plaque
Results of five clinical studies evaluating the predictive value of VENDYS, a new FDA-approved cardiovascular test, were presented at the 2009 Annual Scientific Sessions of the American College of Cardiology in Florida.
Isolation technology
As processes become more complex, the need for increased laboratory safety is paramount. Protecting operators from hazardous substances, aerosol release or spillages is a critical consideration during processes, whether they are mixing substances or dispensing drugs. Of equal importance is the need to protect the substance, or product, from contamination from the operator. Mark Nicholls presents…
A new instrument for mid-to-high volume labs
At Euromedlab (7-11 June, Austria), Beckman Coulter will demonstrate the new UniCel DxH 800 Coulter Cellular Analysis System.
Birthday bonanza for Multipette users
Launched by Eppendorf in 1979, the world's first handheld dispenser (repeater) - the Multipette - revolutionised laboratory work.
A strategic acquisition of the Olympus Laboratory unit
Beckman Coulter Inc, manufacturer of medical test systems, has agreed to acquire the diagnostic systems portion of Olympus Corporation's life sciences business.
First prostate cancer biomarker identified in urine
A potential biomarker for cancer has been identified in urine.
Ultra-clear resin pipette tips
The multichannel tips are also packaged in new cases that simplify handling and storage and facilitate recycling.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Accelerates Biomarker Research at Pronota
Belgium - Pronota, in Ghent, is using Thermo Fisher Scientific's new HeavyPeptide FasTrack service to discover and validate disease biomarkers.
Second stage of German laboratory reform in force
Since 1 January 2008 laboratory groups have been invoicing their regional Associations of Statutory Health Insurance (Kassenärztliche Vereinigung - KV) directly — a measure meant to reduce lab costs, create more transparency and strengthen the role of on-site labs in doctors' surgeries. For physicians, this reform means that the decision that laboratory values will be requested has become more…
Article • Event
The 1st European Symposium on Quality Management and Accreditation in Laboratory Medicine
Organised jointly by the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC), the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFCC) and the French Society of Clinical Biology (SFBC), the two-day symposium served as a platform to address future strategies to promote accreditation for clinical chemists and all professions in laboratory medicine.
