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WOW Technology at ECCMID 2014: Highlights and Poster Bank – Part 1

SelectScience
15 May 2014
Sonia Nicholas
Managing Editor and Clinical Lead

Product news

The 24th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases was this year held in the beautiful city of Barcelona. ECCMID has grown steadily in size and importance, and this year’s Congress had a real buzz of excitement around it. As well as four very full days of symposiums, workshops, lectures and ‘meet the expert’ sessions, the exhibition floor was packed with exciting new products and advanced diagnostic technology. Some of the hot technology topics included the latest molecular diagnostic developments, next generation sequencing, point-of-care advances and MALDI-TOF analysis.

Beckman Coulter, was showcasing the VERIS MDx System, along with the VERIS human Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Assay*. The VERIS MDx System brings fully automated, random access capabilities to the microbiology laboratory, enabling quantitative and qualitative analysis of molecular targets from clinical patients. The VERIS integrates key steps in molecular diagnostics to streamline workflow and system management.

Two centers in Europe are already in the process of starting beta site testing for VERIS. The VERIS MDx System and the VERIS human Cytomegalovirus (CMV) assay* both obtained CE Mark earlier this year and are now available for trial and/or purchase in some European countries. Given their global health impact, Beckman Coulter diagnostics are beginning with viral load monitoring for infectious diseases (CMV, HIV and Hepatitis C and B).

Beckman Coulter presented five posters during the conference, which you can download here:

• VERIS Molecular Diagnostic System Sample-To-Sample Crossover Contamination Study

• Performance Evaluation of the Beckman Coulter VERIS Cytomegalovirus Assay on the VERIS MDx System

• Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Viral Load Assay for the VERIS MDx System

• Quantitative Detection of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) on the VERIS MDx System

• Quantitative Detection of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) on the VERIS MDx System

Bruker Daltonics was displaying the new and expanded research-use-only (RUO) capabilities for the MALDI Biotyper platform. The MALDI BiotyperTM allows microbial identification based on MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The MALDI Biotyper RUO and IVD-CE versions cover a broad range of about 2,300 species with more than 5,600 well-characterized microbial isolates from gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, yeasts, multicellular fungi and mycobacteria.

To find out how this instrument is being implemented for clinical diagnostics use in the US, listen to this interview with Dr Robert Jerris, the Director of Clinical Microbiology at the Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta Pediatric Hospital.

Dr Brad Gardiner et al, from Monash Infectious Diseases, Monash Health, presented a poster at ECCMID that describes the successful identification of Eggerthella Lenta Bacteraemia using MALDI-TOF technology. You can download the poster here: Eggerthella Lenta Bacteraemia: Clinical and Microbiological Characteristics.


*Not for sale or distribution in the U.S.; not available in all markets.


Don't miss Part 2 next week: next generation sequencing for the clinical laboratory, new molecular diagnostic assays and point-of-care advances.

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Mass SpectrometryMass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical technique used to identify and quantify molecules based on the mass-to-charge ratio of gas-phase ions. It provides detailed information about the structure, composition, and properties of compounds and is widely used across fields such as environmental monitoring, materials science, drug discovery and development, food and beverage testing, and wider chemical research. Key MS techniques include tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LS-MS) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS). Choosing from these wide range of techniques and technologies can be a daunting task, so keep up to date with scientific applications, performance expectations, and customer reviews here all in one place. Visit our product directory to receive quotes direct from the manufacturer. 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.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.BiomarkersBiomarkers are biological markers which can be measured and evaluated to indicate a biological state. The use of biomarkers in research and diagnosis can indicate a normal or disease state or drug response of cells / tissues. Biomarkers include genetic markers, cell surface markers such as antigens, antibodies or receptors and secreted molecules such as cytokines. An assay system is required for identification of biomarkers. :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.ECCMID

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WOW Technology at ECCMID 2014: Highlights and Poster Bank – Part 1