June 26, 2009--MIS Inc. releases PAX-it Version 7.1, the 43nd version of the image database and image analysis software. PAX-it Image Database Software has installations worldwide in materials science, industry, forensics, pharmaceutical, pathology, life science, semiconductor, medical device, automotive, welding, aerospace, government and defense applications. Coupled with the family of PAXcam digital microscope cameras the product line offers ease-of-use, high-resolution, powerful analysis tools and digital imaging solutions for organizations large and small. 

"We are particularly excited about PAX-it Version 7.1 as it introduces some amazing new features for our users," says Chris Jahns, senior vice president of sales. "Our customers and distributors have come to expect regular and substantive new developments as we respond to the growing imaging challenges that are arising around the world. Our development team has responded well to those challenges."

PAX-it Version 7.1 includes High Dynamic Range (HDR) Image Processing, blending multiple exposure levels from different captured images to enhance the detail found in the light and dark areas. PAXcam cameras have also been equipped with HDR features to make the process seamless and automatic.  New Blend Images Processing allows for the superimposing of an image on top of another image for compare and review. PAX-it has 64-bit compatibility as well as automated database back-up routines to protect databases in the event that a corruption takes place. 

The new PAXcam Connect Module is released in conjunction with PAX-it Version 7.1, allowing new and existing users to stream the live, high-resolution PAXcam preview over a LAN or the Internet with millisecond lag times, which is perfect for clean room, telepathology and telemedicine applications that involve remote consultation. Finally, the PAXcam ARC+ camera was released with PAX-it Version 7.1, adding an even higher resolution CCD camera option for use in low light, fluorescence situations. The PAXcam ARC+ provides multiple and adjustable resolutions up to 32 megapixels for spectacular images.

www.paxit.com

June 23, 2009--In conjunction with sales distribution organizations for Life Technologies Corp. (Applied Biosystems) and PerkinElmer, Precision Power International Inc. (PPI), which delivers high-level, global engineering solutions, including the design of critical power products and services for technology business applications, now offers Instrument Power Protection Systems (IPPS) incorporating Smart Monitoring to meet global power requirements (Americas, Middle East, EU, Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Rim).

Smart Monitoring utilizes Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), a communication card and management software, that allows the IPPS to communicate with the laboratory or distribution organization locally or over the Internet. The SNMP feature ensures that laboratory personnel and the distribution organization can identify power or instrument irregularities immediately, decreasing troubleshooting time and protecting the lab's costly instrumentation investment. Used in conjunction with PPI's certified IPPS package, the instrument and the laboratory are protected from spurious power transients and harmonics that cause most instrument failures and lost production time. The IPPS and SNMP combination benefits the lab by providing highly productive instrument uptime with lower cost reportable results.

Smart Monitoring and its reporting features (user programmable) include: monitoring and reporting incoming power, battery status, IPPS output and remote controls.

Working with Corporación Científica Venezolana (CCV) in Venezuela, and Alpha Technologies in New Zealand, PPI has developed over 30 IPPS applications to meet global power requirements for the Americas, Middle East, EU, Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the Pac Rim. With more currently in development, the key applications include biotechnology, energy, forensics, materials analysis, oncology, pharmaceuticals and public health.

"Working with these key distribution organizations, we have developed complete power protection systems that include global remote monitoring," explains Raymond L. Hecker, AE, MBA, a principal of PPI. "What's significant about this offering is that we, along with the laboratories, are able to continually monitor power input, instrument power stability and output, which allows us to identify potentially problematic situations as well as troubleshoot over the telephone. This second level of protection further protects each lab's investment in instrumentation and decreases overall cost of ownership for each protected instrument."

www.precisionpowerinternational.com

June 22, 2009--Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc. announces the launch of its Precision Melt Analysis^™ software that enables high-resolution melt (HRM) analysis on Bio-Rad's CFX96^™ and CFX384^™ real-time PCR systems.

HRM extends the usefulness of quantitative real-time PCR methodology to detailed post-PCR sequence analysis, enabling a broad range of applications such as mutation scanning, methylation analysis and SNP genotyping. With its simplicity and abbreviated workflow, HRM analysis offers a cost-effective yet accurate alternative to other post-PCR genetic analysis techniques such as single-strand conformation polymorphism, mass spectrometry and sequencing.

Precision Melt Analysis software is a convenient and easy-to-use application that imports and analyzes data files generated from Bio-Rad's CFX96 or CFX384 real-time PCR detection systems. Researchers can use the software to genotype samples based on the thermal denaturation properties of double-stranded DNA. They can also scan for new gene variants, screen DNA samples for SNPs, identify insertions/deletions or other unknown mutations, and determine the percentage of methylated DNA in unknown samples.

Precision Melt Analysis software works with the CFX96 and CFX384 systems to deliver sensitive and reliable detection for HRM applications. This new software package accommodates the needs of all HRM users, whether they are performing a single genotyping experiment or analyzing a comprehensive study comprised of multiple runs. 

Precision Melt Analysis software allows the user to streamline data analysis using the customizable default analysis settings, use multiple data view options to manually assign sample genotypes, and view multiple charts at once.

www.bio-rad.com

June 22, 2009--Antek HealthWare LLC has released an HL7 Reconciler aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the laboratory and reducing medical errors associated with the reporting of laboratory results.

LabDAQ LIS now includes a built-in HL7 Reconciler, which will benefit any laboratory with a reference lab interface. The reconciler is a beneficial resource for laboratory professionals to accept reflexed reference lab results that were created directly at the reference lab. It will also assist with modified profile ID numbers received from the reference lab. It increases laboratory efficiencies and improves patient safety by correctly matching incoming results with the correct patient. It also improves a laboratory's workflow by giving the LabDAQ user control over patient demographic mismatch errors.  

"A reference lab interface is an integral part of a physician office laboratory's success," says Paul Taylor, vice president of sales and marketing for Antek HealthWare. "Too often laboratory efficiencies are interrupted by changes in the reference lab test compendium which have not been communicated or shared with the POL. The addition of an HL7 reconciler alleviates this problem and increases patient safety."

Antek clients that currently do not have a reference lab interface are strongly encouraged to contact Antek to discuss implementing an interface to one of the many regional and national reference labs that Antek partners with.

www.antekhealthware.com

June 18, 2009--Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT) introduces Custom Label Design to their website. With the Custom Label Design Tool, customers can tailor the information provided on their labels. By designing different custom labels, users can easily organize and manage their orders to prevent potential confusion in order receipt and retrieval. A drag-and-drop interface allows them to include information from a variety of sources including PO number, sequence name, molecular weight and measured amounts in nmoles, ODs and milligrams.

Each user can create an unlimited number of designs and save them for use on later orders. Customers can select from a library of stock designs or upload their own symbols or pictures for easy recognition of related orders.

Aaron Warner, IDT CIO says, "We have found that our customer's needs for label information vary greatly.  Rather than dictate what information is important to each user, we've created a tool that allows the customer to design their own labels."  The easy-to-use drag and drop interface links directly to IDT's manufacturing systems eliminating traditional error-prone and time consuming methods of producing a custom label. 

www.idtdna.com

June 18,2009-- CSS Inc. announces the immediate availability of an enhanced version of their WebResultsView™ lab outreach software. With WebResultsView™ independent reference lab clients receive test results using nothing more than a Web browser. The enhancement also allows clients to export an HL-7 file for import into their electronic medical record system, as well.

WebResultsView™ is part of a suite of software components designed to offer independent reference laboratories cost-effective, fully integrated, end-to-end, single-vendor automation of every aspect of their operations. Independent labs are able to enjoy efficiencies and economies of scale previously only within the reach of much larger competitors.

CSS WebOrdersView™ software with the new WebResultsView™ software allows reference lab clients to place orders, print bar codes and obtain ABNs with nothing more than a browser and Internet access.  When WebOrdersView™ and WebResultsView™ are combined with the CSS laboratory information system and Laboratory Billing software, the entire process of accessioning orders, obtaining/analyzing specimens, producing and electronically disseminating results while simultaneously billing becomes one efficient, low-cost, fully automated and completely paperless procedure that eliminates re-work, denials and write-offs while reducing lab work loads and costs.

www.csslis.com/index.html

June 17, 2009--HemoCue® AB, a global point-of-care diagnostic test manufacturer and wholly owned subsidiary of Quest Diagnostics Inc. announces that its HemoCue Albumin 201 System is the first quantitative point-of-care test for screening for, diagnosing and monitoring microalbuminuria to be granted a CLIA waiver by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). With the FDA CLIA waiver, non-laboratory trained physicians and other health care professionals in any health care facility with a CLIA Certificate of Waiver in the United States. will be able to use the HemoCue Albumin 201 System to screen patients for microalbuminuria and begin treatment based on the test's results during a single office visit.

Microalbuminuria may indicate the presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), a life-threatening condition that affects approximately 26 million Americans. Diabetes and hypertension are the two leading risk factors for developing CKD. Microalbuminuria also is an independent risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease in patients with or without diabetes or hypertension.

"Given that microalbuminuria is a risk marker for cardiovascular disease, and its increase over time can indicate kidney disease, it is important that physicians have a fast, easy, reliable test to assess changes in their patients," says professor George L. Bakris, MD, director of the Hypertensive Diseases Unit at the University of Chicago-Pritzker School of Medicine. "The availability of a point-of-care test that accurately measures albumin in urine is expected to have a positive impact on physicians' ability to screen in-office and then begin treatment for patients at risk for microalbuminuria, such as those with diabetes or hypertension."

Microalbuminuria is a condition characterized by the presence of albumin, a protein, excreted in urine. As the albumin excretion increases, so does the risk of CKD or cardiovascular disease onset and progression. The HemoCue Albumin 201 System, which produces results within 90 seconds, enables physicians to identify and quantify low levels of albumin at the point of care for the purpose of screening for, diagnosing, monitoring and to supplement clinical evidence in the treatment of microalbuminuria. Unlike semiquantitative urine "dipstick" methods, which indicate if a patient's microalbumin levels fall within pre-defined ranges, the HemoCue Albumin 201 System provides the actual concentration present in the sample. Using the HemoCue Albumin 201 System, physicians may monitor changes in microalbumin excretion in a patient over time.

A study in the American Journal of Nephrology published online in November 2007 concluded that the "HemoCue Albumin 201 System is a valid and precise method for UAE (urinary albumin excretion) determination, exhibiting a performance similar to laboratory ACR (albumin-to-creatinine) estimations and far better than the widely used dipsticks ... the HemoCue Albumin 201 System appears to be a convenient solution for detection of abnormal UAE levels." The study involved 165 adult subjects under treatment for hypertension at the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Bakris was the study's lead investigator. HemoCue AB financially supported the study.

Despite evidence-based medical guidelines, a March 2008 Quest Diagnostics Health Trends Report on Chronic Kidney Disease found that only 32.7 percent of patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension received a microalbumin test for CKD during the twelve-month period ending in October 2006. The study is based on results of tests performed by Quest Diagnostics on patients in the United States. Diabetes affects seven percent of the U.S. population and more than 21 percent of adults over age 60. Hypertension affects approximately 30 percent of American adults and more than half of those over age 60.

"Our recent Health Trends data suggest that fewer at-risk patients are receiving microalbumin tests than would be expected if the established medical guidelines were universally applied," says Stephen C. Suffin, MD, interim chief laboratory officer and corporate clinical pathologist--science and technology, Quest Diagnostics. "The availability of a fast, reliable point-of-care test that physicians can perform in their own offices to quantitatively assess microalbumin may help patients at risk for CKD to begin receiving the care they need at the time of their appointment with their physician."

In addition to CKD and cardiovascular disease, microalbuminuria may also suggest the potential development of preeclampsia, a potentially life-threatening condition that can affect a pregnant woman, particularly those with type 1 diabetes and her fetus. In patients with diabetes, microalbuminuria may suggest the potential to develop diabetic retinopathy.

The HemoCue Albumin 201 System received FDA 510(k) clearance in the first quarter of 2006. It was CE marked for distribution to more than 30 countries in Europe during the fourth quarter of 2005.

www.hemocue.com

www.questdiagnostics.com

June 16, 2009--Clarient Inc. announces the launch of a new gene mutation test that can help physicians select the proper therapy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The test, called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation, has been validated as a laboratory-developed test and is now available to physicians and their patients.

"Our new EGFR mutation test can be used as a predictive molecular biomarker to explain why a subset of patients with non-small cell lung cancer may respond to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapies," says Clarient Chief Executive Officer Ron Andrews. Data from new and ongoing studies confirming the importance of EGFR mutation testing was presented at last week's annual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting. "This information can help pathologists and oncologists improve the overall management of this difficult disease."

"Most of the data and expert commentary at this year's ASCO meeting concluded that lung cancer was not just one single disease but a number of diseases that could be separated by tumor biology," says Ken Bloom, MD, Clarient's chief medical officer. "One of the biggest and most exciting findings focused around the use of EGFR mutation to identify patients who are much more sensitive to anti-EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Recent changes to practice guidelines suggest that EGFR mutation testing is moving towards becoming the standard of care for patients with NSCLC. Since lung cancer is such a deadly disease, these advances in biomarker profiles are considered among the most important ones we've seen in predictive medicine."

EGFR activates an important pathway that leads to cell proliferation, lack of differentiation, enhanced cell survival and gene transcription. A large body of experimental and clinical work supports the view that EGFR is an important target for cancer therapy. There are a number of drugs used for the treatment of NSCLC. Several recent publications reported that virtually all responders to these drugs have well documented mutations in the EGFR gene. Mutations on EGFR can be seen in about 10-15 percent of patients.

"Our ability to rapidly develop and commercialize such a test underscores Clarient's agility as a company and the strategic importance of our partnerships with pharmaceutical companies," Andrews says. "We are now well-positioned to help community pathologists incorporate EGFR mutation testing into the existing work-up for NSCLC, allowing patients to avoid unnecessary toxicities, treatment delays and higher overall cost of  therapy. In addition to EGFR mutations, other molecular markers have also been cited to predict patient populations that benefit from other therapies used in patients with NSCLC. We feel that EGFR mutation testing is a significant part of the equation, but we are constantly looking for other pathway markers to provide an even more comprehensive story."

www.clarientinc.com

May 16, 2009--Fletcher-Flora Health Care Systems Inc. announces the availability of FFlex eSuite™ ASP, an application service provider (ASP) model version of the FFlex eSuite laboratory information system (LIS) solution. This latest addition to Fletcher-Flora's growing line of Web-based LIS products is ideal for clinical laboratories who want to bring the latest technology into their operation while maximizing a limited budget and eliminating the need for additional IT support staff. The ASP solution allows customers to purchase a new LIS utilizing their operational budget instead of tapping into their capital funds. FFlex eSuite ASP also eliminates the in-house requirements associated with server maintenance when running a self-hosted system.

Designed to meet the unique needs of today's laboratories, FFlex eSuite ASP employs a building block design to offer a comprehensive LIS solution to any size laboratory, from small clinics and group practices to the largest multi-facility reference laboratories. "Customers can select the applications and tools they need in an LIS, and FFlex eSuite ASP can be custom-configured for their use," says Neal Flora, president and CEO of Fletcher-Flora Health Care Systems Inc. "They can receive all the benefits of our technology and service, without the financial commitment associated with a self-hosted system. With a single computer meeting the minimum requirements for a user workstation, and a high-speed Internet connection, FFlex eSuite ASP can run securely and in real-time to optimize workflow, organize data and streamline communication and reporting.

www.fletcher-flora.com

June 15, 2009--Siemens Healthcare is showcasing a portfolio of financial solutions at the Healthcare Financial Management Association's (HFMA) Healthcare Finance Conference 2009 in Seattle (June 14-17) as part of its commitment to help providers achieve higher operational efficiency and financial excellence and help them overcome a challenging economic climate.

On display this year are Soarian^® Financials, Soarian Quality Measures and Siemens Financial Services Inc. (SFS Inc.), providing tools that enable customers to streamline their revenue cycle workflow and quality improvement processes and secure funding for important projects and purchases.

"At Siemens, we understand the challenges that healthcare financial professionals face in financing the delivery of cost-effective healthcare in an increasingly complex economic and regulatory environment," explains Mitch Icenhower, senior director, Business Management, Health Services, Siemens Healthcare. "We are pleased to support provider organizations through the educational programs offered by HFMA and through our commitment to providing health IT solutions designed to address current and future challenges posed by market-driven and government-mandated initiatives."

Soarian^® Financials, an enterprise-wide health IT solution, represents the latest in revenue-cycle innovation, going beyond traditional patient management, patient accounting and practice management systems by embedding core functionality that includes a contract engine, an enterprise-wide master person index, a claims engine and editor, business analytics and denial management. The workflow-oriented solution helps providers streamline their revenue cycle management, maximize revenue realization and support provider initiatives to enhance the patient experience. Recent enhancements to its claims management component include edits to promote clean claims processing and accelerated cash collection while reducing providers' reliance on third-party claims solutions.

Soarian Quality Measures is a knowledge-driven healthcare data-mining tool, enabled by the REMIND^™ (Reliable Extraction and Meaningful Inference from Non-structured Data) platform. The solution supports healthcare providers' goals to streamline their quality improvement process by automating chart abstraction and helping expedite the submission of quality measures, as defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and The Joint Commission.

In a market where access to capital is limited, hospital leaders are deferring or canceling projects that may create new sources of revenue, improve productivity and reduce costs, and improve patient outcomes. Siemens Financial Services Inc. can help provide funds needed to support those vital projects. An intimate knowledge and appreciation of complex funding issues enables SFS Inc. to customize solutions that address capital requirements as well as underlying business issues. The financial solutions offering is focused on optimizing cash flow and maximizing return on investment and includes equipment leasing, tax-exempt financing, revolving lines of credit, term loans and real estate financing.

www.siemens.com/healthcare

June 15, 2009--Luminex Corp. announces the full market release of its FLEXMAP 3D^TM system, a high-throughput multiplexing instrument that allows scientists to simultaneously perform up to 500 tests on a single sample.

Created with input from scientists worldwide, FLEXMAP 3D is designed to meet the needs of medium- and high-volume laboratories, such as academic, reference and pharmaceutical research laboratories. The FLEXMAP 3D multiplexing system's ability to conduct many tests at once can significantly enhance the efficiencies of life sciences research and drug discovery.

"We're very excited about the full market launch of FLEXMAP 3D," says Patrick J. Balthrop, senior president and chief executive officer of Luminex. "This system was created for scientists who were seeking a faster throughput instrument with higher multiplexing capability. It will fill a vital need in high-volume laboratories and allow scientists to significantly increase their productivity. FLEXMAP 3D is an important advancement in our goal to create multiplexing solutions for a range of applications and for laboratories of all sizes."

Based on Luminex's flexible xMAP® Technology, FLEXMAP 3D fills an essential segment between the low multiplex marketplace and the high multiplex microarray market. The system provides enhanced throughput, higher multiplexing (up to 500 analytes per well), improved analytical performance, 96 or 384 well plate formats, enhanced dual pipeting, automation/LIS compatibilities, streamlined calibration and performance verification routines, easy maintenance and a simple workflow.

FLEXMAP 3D can perform multiplexed genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic biomarker analyses on a single platform. FLEXMAP 3D is ideal for applications such as SNP genotyping and gene expression analysis. By enabling research to proceed more efficiently, the system allows faster screening of novel targets and an overall improvement in laboratory management.

Luminex has shipped a number of the FLEXMAP 3D systems to customers since the first commercial shipment in November 2008. These include pharmaceutical and research laboratories that have adopted the system because of its increased throughput and multiplexing capabilities.

www.luminexcorp.com