Automated Systems Improve Outcomes for Microbiology Labs

New automated systems have been designed to improve outcomes for busy microbiology labs.

The new systems were demonstrated by Magellan Biosciences' (Chelmsford, MA, USA) subsidiaries Trek Diagnostic Systems (Cleveland, OH, USA) and Dynex Technologies (Chantilly, VA, USA) at the American Society of Microbiology (ASM) meeting, which was held in Toronto (Canada) from May 22-24, 2007.

Trek launched its Vizion system, which adds digital-imaging capability to the company's Aris 2X automated Sensititre System with SWIN (Sensititre for Windows) software, to enable easy and accurate antimicrobial-resistance detection of all organism groups, including fastidious isolates that elude other automated systems.

Magellan president and CEO, Robert J. Rosenthal, Ph.D. said, "Trek's Vizion System enables surefire results through enhanced lighting options and on-screen display of large, easy-to-read digital images--with quantitative [minimum inhibitory concentration] and qualitative results--color-coded to eliminate questionable readings and errors [red/resistant, yellow/intermediate, and green/susceptible]. A touch-screen capability allows real-time recording of results, and Vizion enables users to save and store images for sharing, teaching, and comparison. The SWIN controlling software, which incorporates the latest CLSI [Clinical Laboratory and Standards Institute] guidelines and epidemiology reporting capabilities, eradicates mistakes from manual data transcription--and laboratories can integrate the system directly into their existing laboratory information system [LIS]--to make reporting of results data easy.”

Dynex featured its DS2 automated two-plate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) processing system at the meeting. Dr. Rosenthal commented, "Dynex began shipments of the DS2 this month to ELISA kit manufacturers around the world to meet the needs of labs that don't have the throughput needs to justify large-scale systems on the market. Reliable, cost-effective, and easy to use and maintain, the DS2 packs full automation power in the smallest footprint available. The system quickly and easily processes two 96-well microplates and up to 12 different assays simultaneously and features the most user-friendly control system available, chain of custody, and instrument diagnostics. An open system, the DS2 delivers sample-in/results-out automation of virtually any ELISA microplate assay.”


Related Links:
Magellan Biosciences
Trek Diagnostic Systems
Dynex Technologies