New Benchtop Centrifuges from Beckman Coulter Life Sciences Enhance Clinical Lab Productivity

9 Sept 2013

Product news

The Allegra X-5 air-cooled benchtop centrifuge from Beckman Coulter Life Sciences is designed specifically for clinical sample preparation. As the latest member of the Allegra suite of benchtop centrifuges, the unit offers the performance, reliability and endurance under exacting circumstances for which the products are known.

Bundled packages, which include swinging bucket rotors and common adapters, enable fast and convenient setup, are offered for a range of clinical sample prep applications, and make it easy to order these energy efficient units.

Throughput and productivity are enhanced through seamless integration with the Beckman Coulter Automate 2500 family of sample processing systems. Furthermore, Beckman Coulter UniCel DxC and UniCel DxI sample racks can be spun directly in the centrifuge, eliminating transfer steps.

A small footprint allows the unit to fit comfortably on the benchtop, while still providing capacity for up to 140 blood collection tubes. Maximum speed of 4700 rpm and centrifugal force of up to 4470 x g shortens run times.

“Reliability in demanding conditions makes the Allegra X-5 a smart addition to the clinical laboratory,” said David Rolwing, centrifuge product manager, Beckman Coulter Life Sciences. “Its capacity and capability to integrate with Beckman Coulter analyzers will provide users with real productivity gains.”

Benchtop centrifuges in the Allegra suite are offered for such clinical sample preparation applications as serum, plasma and whole blood sample processing; protein precipitation and particulate and cell sedimentation; and in-vitro cytotoxicity and receptor binding sample processing.

Links

Tags

CentrifugesCentrifuges are used to separate particulates suspended in a liquid via the application of a centrifugal force including cells, macromolecules, nanoparticles and precipitates. Centrifuges come in three sizes: microcentrifuges, benchtop and floor-standing centrifuges, depending on the volume and number of samples that require separation. When choosing a centrifuge, consider its maximum separation power indicated by its relative centrifugal force (RCF) value. Low force centrifuges reach a maximum RCF of 8,000 g, high-force centrifuges can reach maximum RCF values of 80,000 g. For extremely high forces, consider ultracentrifuges (up to 800,000 g). Refrigerated and vacuum centrifuges also known as concentrators are available for more specialized applications. A range of volumes are available for centrifuge tubes and microfuge tubes, depending on sample sizes. Find the best centrifuges in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.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.PlasmaHuman PlasmaHuman plasma is the liquid component of blood, which carries blood components - nutrients, hormones, proteins, and waste - throughout the body. Plasma-based studies provide insights into biomarkers, immune responses, and disease mechanisms. Compare plasma handling tools and systems in our peer-reviewed product directory.Blood AnalysisThe analysis of blood is vital for many areas of life sciences and forensic investigations. Blood samples can be tested for a number of different reasons such as diagnosis, glucose levels, cholesterol and drug testing.Human SerumHuman serum is found in blood plasma. The protein is used in a variety of applications including tissue engineering, transplantation and cell therapy.