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SeraCare Life Sciences Acquires KPL, Expanding Product Offering for Diagnostics Research

SeraCare Life Sciences
18 Aug 2013
Sarah Thomas
Associate Editor

Product news

SeraCare Life Sciences, a leader in life science products for the diagnostic industry, has acquired Kirkegaard & Perry Laboratories (KPL). KPL is a leading provider of antibodies and related reagents for the diagnostic and life sciences markets. With the acquisition, SeraCare has expanded its portfolio of products designed to help diagnostic researchers develop innovative in vitro diagnostic assays through both off-the-shelf products and custom antibody design.

“The diagnostics industry requires high quality materials for use in assay design, development of components for regulated kits, and validation of these products as they move from the laboratory to the clinic,” said Charles Mamrak, CEO of SeraCare. “SeraCare strives to facilitate its customers’ product development efforts, allowing researchers to focus on the science, specifically the design and launch of cutting-edge new assays. The addition of KPL will enable SeraCare to more fully meet the needs of these diagnostic researchers, fueling their innovation by providing reliable and qualified materials for use in these assays.”

By acquiring KPL, SeraCare has built upon its leading position as a life science consumables provider for diagnostic research. KPL’s portfolio of products includes high quality immunochemicals for in vitro diagnostics, including primary and secondary antibodies as well as reagents and kits targeting ELISA, western blotting, immunohistology, protein labeling, nucleic acid labeling, sample preparation, protein purification, and recombinant protein detection and analysis. These products will support SeraCare’s expansion from its core strength of providing biological products and control materials for infectious disease, women’s health, and genetic testing into oncology, autoimmune, allergy and companion diagnostics.

“SeraCare is an ideal fit for KPL, bringing two product offerings together under one company, and positioning us well to reach a broader audience within the diagnostic market,” said Albert Perry, President and CEO of KPL. “Our product portfolios, research and development, and manufacturing expertise are complementary and will enable us to deliver a full suite of capabilities to the diagnostics market.”

SeraCare secured funding for the acquisition and refinanced its existing debt with Madison Capital Funding and BB&T Capital Partners. This new financing relationship strengthens SeraCare’s capital base for future growth both organically and through additional acquisitions. Kirkland & Ellis LLP provided legal advice to SeraCare for the transaction.

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AntibodiesAntibodies are used in techniques such as confocal and fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, ELISA, ELISPOT, immunohistochemistry, western blotting and immunopreciptation. Select specific antigen reactivity, high specific affinity, low non-specific binding, monoclonal or polyclonal, primary or secondary antibodies and associated conjugates such as an enzyme or dye for visualization.ELISAEnzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), also known as enzyme immunoassays (EIA), are used for the detection and quantification of proteins, peptides and antibodies in a sample. ELISA often comes in kit format, with pre-selected antibody pairs to detect specific proteins or biomarkers of diseases such as diabetes and obesity, or cardiovascular and neurological disorders. Detection is made possible with chemiluminescent, fluorescent or colorimetric substrates and detection instruments such as microplate / ELISA readers. Other kits available include: Enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assays for the quantification of protein-producing cells and chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIA) kits. Find the best ELISA kits and products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.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.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.In Vitro DiagnosticsIn vitro diagnostics (IVD) involve testing samples outside the body, typically in a laboratory, to diagnose diseases or conditions. IVD technologies include blood tests, molecular assays, and other bodily fluid tests, enabling accurate diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. These tests are essential for guiding treatment decisions in clinical settings. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best IVD solutions; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.

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SeraCare Life Sciences Acquires KPL, Expanding Product Offering for Diagnostics Research