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Don't Miss! Most Popular Clinical Articles in November

SelectScience
10 Dec 2014
Sonia Nicholas
Managing Editor and Clinical Lead

Editorial article

Keep up-to-date with the very latest diagnostic news at SelectScience. This article lists some of the most popular clinical diagnostics news and application articles published during November 2014.

Ventana Announces Collaboration to Develop Companion Diagnostics for ImmunoGen's Targeted Anticancer Agents
Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. announced it had entered into an agreement with ImmunoGen, Inc. to collaborate on the development of biomarker assays and a companion diagnostic immunohistochemistry test. The companies have created an initial test for folate receptor alpha that is being used in early trials of IMGN853, ImmunoGen’s FRα-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC).

Using the In Situ PCR Adapter
The Techne in situ PCR adapter (PRIME/ISHA) can be used to convert a 96-well Prime or PrimeG gradient thermal cycler to an in situ instrument as simply as inserting a PCR plate. The adapter accommodates up to four standard glass microscope slides. In this application note, the thermal profile of the adapter surface is compared to the 96-well thermal cycler block with a view to recommending ways of optimizing PCRs to achieve the required temperature changes, while taking into account the increased thermal mass of the adapter.

Swallowing a Sponge on a String Could Replace Endoscopy as Pre-Cancer Test
Cancer Research UK announced that swallowing a sponge on a string could replace traditional endoscopy as an equally effective but less invasive way of diagnosing a condition that can be a forerunner of esophageal cancer. The results of a Cancer Research UK trial involving more than 1,000 people were presented at the National Cancer Research Institute’s annual conference in Liverpool, UK.

EKF Diagnostics Enters Collaborative Relationship with Joslin Diabetes Center
EKF Diagnostics announced that it had entered a multi-year, collaborative relationship with Joslin Diabetes Center ("Joslin") in support of the ongoing clinical and commercial translation of TNFR1 and 2 biomarkers. These novel biomarkers can help identify patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes that are at an increased risk of developing end stage renal disease (ESRD), up to 10 years in advance.

Producing Accurate Results Starts with Effective Calibration
Sarah Kee, QC Scientific Consultant at Randox Laboratories, discusses the reasons why effective instrument calibration should be viewed as the foundation of all laboratory patient testing.

Beckman Coulter Diagnostics and Seegene Announce Supply Agreement for Multiplex Reagents for VERIS Molecular Diagnostics System
Beckman Coulter Diagnostics and Seegene Inc. announced a Molecular Diagnostic assay supply agreement. Under the agreement, Seegene will begin manufacturing reagents designed exclusively for Beckman Coulter’s new sample-to-answer Molecular Diagnostics instrument, the VERIS MDx System.

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Blood TransfusionBlood Transfusion involves giving donor blood to a recipient patient. Screening is essential to avoid transfusion reactions. Blood banks use immunohematological techniques to determine rh and ABO blood group, and screen for antibodies using specific antisera. Blood Banks use Direct Coombs Tests (DCT) and Indirect Coombs Tests (IAT) to detect hemolysis and Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN).HematologyIn Haematology / Hematology, complete blood cell counts (or full blood counts) are obtained using automated blood count analyzers to enumerate blood cell types.  Hematology also encompasses haemostasis and coagulation, thrombophilia and hemophilia, plasma viscosity and ESR analysis, hemoglobinopathies, cell morphology and haematinic measurement.ImmunologyImmunological techniques measure and characterize immune responses. Immunology kits and analysis systems often use techniques such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunodiffusion assays, Immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Immunologists use equipment such as flow Cytometers, plate readers, plate washers and fluorescent microscopes.Cellular PathologyCellular Pathology deals with the microscopic analysis of tissue samples and cells. Sample preparation and processing includes fixation, staining, sectioning and slide mounting, using equipment such microtomes and cryostats. In choosing immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry kits, consider chromogens, staining method, antibodies, microscopes and imaging.Point-of-CarePoint-of-Care Testing (POCT) or Near Patient Testing (NPT) products are available for urine, blood and other clinical chemistry analyses. POCT includes: blood glucose testing, blood gas and electrolytes analysis, rapid coagulation testing (PT / INR), rapid cardiac markers diagnostics, drugs of abuse screening, urine strips testing, pregnancy testing, fecal occult blood analysis, food pathogens screening, hemoglobin diagnostics, infectious disease testing and cholesterol screening.Clinical ChemistryBiochemistry (or clinical chemistry) involves the analysis of bodily fluids using chemical tests. Techniques used include HPLC, chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, immunochemical, electrophoresis, turbidometric / spectrophotometric assay, MRI and ISE analysis. Tests are often carried out on plasma or serum but urine (urinalysis) and fecal specimens are also processed.Clinical GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.Clinical MicrobiologyMicrobiology is the study of microorganisms including protists, prokaryotes, fungi, and, often, viruses. Microorganisms are a useful research tool as genetic vectors and, in immunology, for antibiotic susceptibility testing, cellular biology and genetics. Microorganisms commonly grow readily in incubators with microbial culture media; this can contain chromogenic supplements to differentiate between cell lines. Estimate your culture’s density of microorganisms with colony counters, or screen and select colonies for desirable clones with automated colony pickers. Additionally, equipment is available to monitor environments for the presence of microbes and identify with microbial identification instruments. Find the best microbiology products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Embryology / IVFEmbryology refers to the development of an embryo resulting from the fertilization of the ovum, to fetus stage. In vitro fertilization (IVF) refers to the fertilization of the egg outside of the human body, and is an important treatment for infertility.DiabetesDiabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels, either due to insufficient insulin production or resistance to its effects. Ongoing diabetes innovation focuses on developing better diagnostic tools, treatments, and preventive measures. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best diabetes diagnostic tools, compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Companion DiagnosticsCompanion diagnostics are tests, often <i>in vitro</i>, that are used to determine whether a therapeutic product will be safe and effective for use on an individual. They also identify which patients will benefit most from them. Companion diagnostic tests are often developed in conjunction with the pharmaceutical industry.Cancer DiagnosticsThere are a wide variety of diagnostic tests for cancer available, and this range continues to expand as our knowledge of cancer improves. Current diagnostic methods include biopsy, imaging and blood tests for known biomarkers. New methods in research development include liquid biopsies and cancer breathalyzers.

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