Analyze this.

Not only are blood, plasma, and serum chemistry important reflections of a patient's overall condition, but they also serve as valuable tools in the early detection/diagnosis of disease and in the assessment of a patient's response to treatment. Manufacturers continue to develop new analyzers that enable labs to reduce operating costs, while improving TAT and expanding in-house test menus simultaneously. In addition to routine chemistries, many of these new-era systems incorporate homogeneous immunological testing, expanding menus to include therapeutic drug tests, tests for drugs of abuse, and special chemistries, while incorporating labor-saving features.

Multichannel analyzer

A high-volume analyzer, the modular AU5400 series automates and consolidates chemistry/immuno testing with up to 147 on-board chemistries and throughput up to 6,600 tests per hour. The series offers flexible module-unit configuration with the two-module AU5421 and the three-module AU5431, a choice of single or dual flow-cell ISE and optional auto-repeat, and refrigerated quality control (QC). All module units are fully standardized to provide consistent system-to-system results and reference ranges within the same 122-test menu, which includes chemistries and a broad menu of specialty tests. With a fully integrated track system to intelligently route samples to high-speed processing modules for simultaneous test processing, all module units employ pipetting probes for reagent dispensing to reduce reagent volume and maintenance.

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Closed-tube sampling

Offering both closed-tube sampling and high-sensitivity detection, the Synchron LX20 PRO system is designed to improve operator safety and increase productivity, while lowering overall costs by reducing sample processing time in mid- to high-volume labs. The system's test menu includes more than 100 reagents covering general, critical care, and esoteric chemistries, as well as proteins, serologies, therapeutic drug monitoring, and drugs-of-abuse testing. Productivity-enhancing features include continuous auto-loading, closed-tube obstruction detection/correction, automatic critical sample rerun, and default panel testing. In addition, the system has a built-in modem for automatic software downloads and is powered by version 2.0 software providing password protection, previous calibration recall, on-board electronic maintenance, and QC activity log.

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Automated random access

The VITROS 5,1 FS Chemistry System is a random-access, fully automated clinical laboratory system used for discrete quantitative measurements of analyte concentrations in human body-fluid specimens. Designed for medium- to large-volume testing facilities, the system incorporates Intellicheck technology to minimize unnecessary repeat testing, MicroSensor technology providing sample quality indices, MicroSlide technology enhancing patient-reportable result efficiency, e-Connectivity Interactive System Management for proactive diagnosis/remote repair, and Micro Tip technology, which enables expanded menu offerings of therapeutic drugs, serum proteins, drugs of abuse, user-defined applications, and esoteric testing. In addition, both MicroSlide and Micro Tip technologies simplify work by eliminating the need for external water, plumbing, drains, fixed probes, or mixing assemblies.

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Analytical productivity

The Architect ci8200 integrates the c8000 and i2000SR analyzers on one platform, providing the combined benefits of clinical chemistry and immunoassay testing. The system offers 93 assays on board with throughput of up to 1,200 clinical chemistries and up to 200 immunoassay tests per hour. Clot detection, utilizing pressure differential technology, ensures accurate sampling. The re-test sample handler (RSH) maximizes analytical productivity with real-time STAT, automated re-run, and reflex-testing capabilities. Sample loading of up to 367 samples via priority (35), routine (300), and carousel (32) areas provides continuous sample access. Calibrator and QC materials can be run via the RSH or sample carousel, providing additional loading flexibility.

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True point of care

Providing critical point-of-care testing for pH, blood gases, hematocrit, electrolytes, and other chemistries, the IRMA TRUpoint performs immediate and reliable tests at the patient's side. The system utilizes electrochemical sensor technology with an interactive touch screen that quickly guides the user through the test procedures. Patient results are available on average in 60 to 90 seconds by way of single-use, self-calibrating cartridges that can be stored at room temperature. The lightweight, portable, self-contained unit features an on-board printer, data-management system, and connectivity to help improve regulatory compliance, reduce medical errors, and enable clinicians to intervene early in a patient's treatment.

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Innovative low-volume solution

Specifically tailored for the low-volume lab or as a backup system to higher-volume analyzers, the Dimension Xpand integrated chemistry system brings versatility in a compact footprint, reducing hands-on time and increasing walk-away capabilities. This consolidated workstation offers a menu of 70+ assays, including therapeutic drug monitoring, immunoassays, plasma proteins, and other chemistries. Using state-of-the-art Dimension technology that eliminates sample splitting, the system is able to achieve an optimum steady-state throughput of 250 photometric tests, 187 electrolyte tests, and 83 immunoassays per hour. By combining routine and specialty chemistries with immunoassays and electrolyte tests, the analyzer allows even smaller testing environments to do full disease-state profiles quickly and economically.

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Two instruments in one

Capable of running both EIAs and general chemistries in standard microwells, the ChemWell is a completely open and automated system that can be programmed and used as either a batch or a continuous random-access analyzer. Offering an intuitive new interface, the versatile, Windows-based Rev 6.0 software facilitates the programming of biochemistries, enabling users to easily customize set ups for assays, routine runs, QC, panels, and index calculations. The system can also be programmed to automatically process a full or partial plate of EIAs, from dilution preparation to final report compilation. Results for individual samples can be accepted or re-run for verification, and calibrators/controls can be run at any time, independently of tests, allowing stored curve updates and test validations. Additional features include an on-board QC function and self-monitoring mechanics/optics.

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Sample selective workflow

Designed to support the medium-size laboratory and special chemistry testing in high-volume sites, the sample selective COBAS INTEGRA 800 achieves improved cost efficiencies by optimizing the use of available resources and consolidating workload with up to 72 on-board assays (including 4ISE, Na+, K+, Li+, Cl-) and a throughput of up to 855 tests per hour. The system employs multiple control mechanisms developed to identify sample and reaction abnormalities. The pipetting integrity check assures sample integrity via high-sensitivity level and clot-detection systems, and monitors sample pipetting via dispensing control. Reaction kinetics, including antigen excess, is monitored automatically for all measurement modes thereby reducing re-runs and manual handling of samples and reagents.

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Random access with STAT capability

With a throughput of 300 tests per hour, random access with STAT capability, and a comprehensive test menu, the Vitalab Selectra E Chemistry System can be used as a main system, a backup system for routine chemistry, or a dedicated drugs-testing analyzer. The system incorporates Vitalab Dry Electrode ISE, a proven, dry, solid-state ion selective-electrode, for Na+, K+, Cl- and CO2, providing a complete test panel without adding an enzymatic procedure or using a traditional "wet" electrode, which significantly reduces cost, maintenance time, and the reliability of results. Features include high-capacity sample rotor, low sample volume, continuous inventory monitoring, on-board reagent cooling and washing system, 48-position, semidisposable cuvette rotor that only needs replacing every 10,000 tests, and easy-to-use Windows software.

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Multitask benchtop analyzer

The versatile NExCT Clinical Chemistry System incorporates large-analyzer features in a compact bench-top system, which has been designed to reduce costs and enhance productivity for the physician office, small hospital, and alternate-care laboratories. System features include test-dedicated cuvettes, efficient, single-probe fluids handling, extensive menu of ready-to-run reagents, internal computer for positive sample and reagent ID, auto repeat and dilution, as well as an immediate STAT-interrupt function, which enables the system to respond immediately to STAT demands before reverting back to routine workload. In addition, the system's powerful, CLIA-compliant, PC-based operating software provides individual profile, batch, or STAT assays, on-screen prompted assistance, and a built-in self-diagnostics guide.

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The Product Focus for December is Laboratory Apparel and for January 2005 is Specimen Transport Products and Services. Send product information to [e-mail] for possible inclusion in these sections. Deadlines are October 2 for the December issue and November 2 for the January 2005 issue. This Product Focus was prepared by Tana Sembiante, assistant editor for MLO.