Vol. 18 • Issue 11
• Page 36
Editor's Note
ADVANCE for Administrators of the Laboratory conducted its 8th annual Web survey asking readers to nominate which vendors they consider to be "top of their class" for various laboratory-specific categories. On behalf of the ADVANCE team, I'd like to thank you for contributing to this increasingly popular survey.
Highlighted below are the companies that received the most votes and in which category(s), reasons readers gave for that nomination and other reputable companies receiving high nominations in that category. New this year is added information from the winners and a message from them to you, the voters.
ANTEK
Winner in Information Systems
Antek Healthware
Reasons:
• Customizable
• Compatible
• Easy access to information
Runners up:
Orchard, SCC Soft Computer
or three consecutive years, Antek HealthWare has been selected as the "Top of the Class" Information System vendor. As Antek has evolved from being a small, economical physician office LIS solution to a robust full-featured LIS capable of supporting community hospital laboratories, Antek has continued to offer customized solutions for all of our clients.
Since 1991, Antek HealthWare's LabDAQ Laboratory Information System has been installed in more than 2,300 labs, making LabDAQ the market-leading LIS nationally. With customized software solutions for the physician office laboratory, reference laboratory, student health lab, clinics and community hospital, LabDAQ can be found in any laboratory setting. LabDAQ is designed to integrate seamlessly with other software, including hospital information systems, practice management systems and electronic medical records (EMRs). Antek HealthWare's dedicated HL7 department has worked with the industry-leading EMR vendors to ensure seamless integration of laboratory data into the EMR.
Antek is fully committed to delivering the best product and after-sales support possible. Our customers value our attention and responsiveness to their needs. Antek has built a reputation for innovation and responsiveness. When you purchase LabDAQ, you are investing in the future of your lab.
BECKMAN COULTER
Winner in Hematology
Beckman Coulter
Reasons:
• Superior customer support
• Ease of use
• Reproducible, trusted results
Runners up:
Sysmex, Siemens
We're honored to accept Top of the Class seven years in a row! Thank you to those who nominated Beckman in the Hematology category.
Beckman Coulter is proud to provide you with winning solutions designed to overcome the challenges you face in today's rapidly changing laboratory environment. In 2009, we revolutionized cellular analysis with the introduction of the UniCel®DxHTM 800 Coulter®Cellular Analysis System, a new-generation hematology analyzer featuring high-definition sample processing and multi-angle light scatter-generating 10 times more data than traditional analyzers.
In 2010 the revolution will continue with the introduction of the UniCel DxH SMS Slidemaker Stainer Coulter Cellular Analysis System and the UniCel DxH Workcells, scalable configurations for every level of throughput. Leveraging our expertise in routine hematology, flow cytometry, chemistry, immunoassay and automation, the UniCel DxH platform rings true to the spirit of Top of the Class!
BIOMERIEUX
Winner in Microbiology
Biomerieux
Reasons:
• Extensive database of organism identifications
• Technical assistance
• Advanced expert system
Runners up:
BD, Siemens
he mission of bioMerieux is to contribute to the improvement of public health worldwide through in vitro diagnostics. The company is committed to four priorities:
• Our independence and expertise in the field of in vitro diagnostics allow us to respond rapidly in today's complex environment and form partnerships vital to our scientific and international growth.
• Our international scope.
• 45 years of experience in the field of infectious diseases allows bioMérieux to respond to major public health issues and affirm its position as a key player in clinical diagnostics and industrial microbiological quality control.
• Scientific and technological innovation is at the heart of the bioMérieux strategy. It has enabled us to extend our expertise to the fields of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, complementing that of infectious diseases.
CANCER DIAGNOSTICS
Winner in Histology and Pathology
Cancer Diagnostics, Inc.
Reasons (histology):
• Clear, bright colors under the microscope
• Unique dispenser
• Customer service
Reasons (pathology):
• Timely shipments
• High-quality products
• Customer service
Runners up:
Ventana, Biocare
Since 1998, Cancer Diagnostics (CDI) has designed, developed, manufactured and introduced innovative products aimed toward quality, efficiency and ultimately better patient care throughout anatomical pathology and the laboratory. Anticipating customer needs by evaluating market conditions has allowed CDI to introduce and expand into product categories throughout pathology with a focus on histology and surgical pathology. From customer-favorite products in surgical pathology (Tissue Marking Dyes) used in thousands of laboratories around the world and the laboratory (i-Shields™) to a substantial and growing line of pathology disposables, CDI has managed to cater to an increasing number of customers looking for unique, quality products enhanced by direct representation, consistent follow-up and customer service.
National Sales Manager Patrick O'Neill adds, "We take the time to know our customer and thank our customers for their support and business. We serve our customers by assessing their needs and work closely with them to help them reach their goals. Our reps understand pathology, and our customers really seem to appreciate that."
New products include:
• AutoFrost®microscope slides optimized for automated printers (available direct and through primary vendors) have a proprietary paint formulation that allows printing ink to be absorbed without smudging or rubbing off and also present laser printers with an optimal marking surface. Clipped corners and strict tolerances facilitate seamless movement through automated equipment without jamming; 11 standard colors, charged and non-charged.
• Bevel®Microtome Blades (coated low and high profile) are becoming the blades of choice for their durability and consistency. Take the Bevel®Sample Challenge and contact customer service for your blade evaluation. Fusion Micro Handle is also available, which turns a blade into a small grossing knife.
• Cassettes are available taped, tubed and in dispenser boxes. High inventory levels and the largest cassette style and color selection cater to most individual laboratory preferences.
• VaporPad®Blue Formalin Neutralizer Pads provide an optimal cutting surface for grossing while neutralizing and encapsulating harmful formalin vapors. Several sizes are available.
• Ultraffin®line of paraffins lend a degree of elasticity to tissue and prevent over-hardening of biopsies. Ultraffin®is filtered free of contaminants and formulated for improved sectioning.
• CDI's MOHS Surgery Tissue Dye Kit consisting
of seven colors in a disposable tray is also now available.
Cancer Diagnostics would like to thank the readers of ADVANCE for choosing us "Top of Class" in both the pathology and histology categories for 2009. We recognize the customer has many choices in pathology and histology and these awards highlight our commitment to the field of anatomical pathology and showcase the customer as the driving force behind our products and company philosophy.
ROCHE
Winner in Chemistry and Point-of-Care
Roche
Reasons (chemistry):
• System reliability
• Ease of use
• Customer service
Runner up:
Siemens
Reasons (POCT):
• Accuracy
• Ease of use
• Customer relations
Runner up:
Lifescan
nnovating healthcare is the driving force behind Roche's global leadership. The company offers a wide range of diagnostic tools that help in the early detection, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as congestive heart failure, HIV, hepatitis and diabetes, as well as other medical conditions such as fertility and blood coagulation. The tools also provide information doctors can use to monitor drug therapies to ensure patients receive the most effective treatments. In 2009 and 2010, Roche Diagnostics is introducing a variety of solutions to help healthcare facilities and reference labs do more with less and enhance patient care. Being designed to bring next-generation consolidation to high-volume labs, the cobas®8000 analyzer series* consists of four analytical chemistry/immunoassay modules that can be configured into 19 unique combinations. The cobas p 701 post analytical unit* is being designed to provide automated storage and retrieval for up to 30,000 sample tubes in a compact footprint (17 linear feet) to help streamline a lab's workflow and manage the entire life cycle of a sample tube. The cobas c 311 clinical chemistry analyzer offers comprehensive features in a compact footprint to help smaller labs expand operations or more easily adjust to busy workloads.
In molecular diagnostics, Roche recently introduced the cobas®TaqScreen MPX test to screen blood samples from living donors for the direct detection of five virus targets. The LightCycler®MRSA Advanced Test* is a qualitative in vitro diagnostic test for the direct detection of nasal colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
For POCT, the Roche Cardiac 200 offers a full cardiac marker menu, quantitative results with lab-like performance and TAT of 10-19 minutes. The new Handheld Base Unit for the CoaguChek®XS Plus System provides connectivity with the RALS®Plus data management system and enables hospital networks to easily capture, access and manage essential data for PT/INR monitoring. Also in development for POCT is the ACCU-CHEK®Inform II blood glucose monitoring system.*
We would like to express our gratitude to ADVANCE readers for selecting us as your Top of Class partner in chemistry and point-of-care testing. The reasons you gave are especially meaningful because they are consistent with the priorities that drive our development of new diagnostic testing solutions-accurate results; systems that perform reliably, are easy to use and help improve your workflow; and customer service that reflects an understanding of your business. We value our relationship with you and look forward to ongoing opportunities to help you optimize your lab's performance and contribute to improved patient care and outcomes.
* These products are not cleared or available for use in the U.S. For investigational use only. The performance characteristics of this product have not been established.
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