Becton Dickinson CPO Detect Test

Lincoln, Nebraska-based Materials and Machines Corporation, also known as MatMaCorp, has launched a rapid handheld molecular testing instrument called MY Real-Time Analyzer, or MYRTA, that performs PCR amplification or isothermal amplification and simultaneous real-time fluorescence detection. The device weighs less than one pound, can be held in one hand during operation, and can detect DNA or RNA targets within one hour, according to MatMaCorp. MYRTA can also process one sample with up to three different tests, and provides near quantitative information, including a Ct value.

Beckman Coulter Life Sciences launched its SuperNova polymer dyes for flow cytometry that offer increased brightness when excited by the violet laser for their respective channel, allowing for clearer differentiation between positive and negative results for dimly expressed markers. The dyes also have an improved staining index through a proprietary formulation using unique additives to minimize non-specific staining for clearer results. They can help eliminate false positives and reduce re-testing due to unclear results, the company said.

Grifols has launched a two-test point-of-care system to monitor levels of infliximab, a medication used to treat a variety of chronic inflammatory conditions. The rapid POC tests, part of Grifols' Promonitor Quick immunoassays, deliver results in 20 minutes using a fingerstick of whole blood. Promonitor Quick leverages lateral flow immunochromatography and eliminates pre-analytical sample processing. It is portable and enables clinicians and laboratory staff to measure levels of infliximab or detect its antibodies. Results appear on a reader while the patient waits, enabling easy optimization of treatment doses, Grifols said.

Quest Diagnostics this week launched its at-home collection fecal immunochemical test, which is used to screen for colorectal cancer in stool samples. If blood is found in the sample, further screening and evaluation, such as a colonoscopy, will be recommended. Patients using the test, offered through the QuestDirect business, will be sent a collection kit via FedEx along with a prepaid FedEx shipping label and envelope by which the sample can be sent to Quest for testing.

Meridian Bioscience has launched its new Air-Dryable Direct DNA qPCR Blood Mix designed for the manufacturing of room temperature-stable molecular diagnostic tests direct from whole blood, plasma, or serum. The mix uses a specialized polymerase and advanced buffer formulation designed specifically for blood samples without the need for DNA purification of the sample. PCR inhibitors in blood samples can result in false negatives or reduced sensitivity in samples where the DNA is not purified.

It is designed to tolerate a high level of inhibitors present in blood, which Meridian said allows for the development of simpler and faster tests. Meridian's mix also replaces the need for lyophilization by using an oven-drying procedure. 

Qiagen has launched its QiaSphere cloud-based platform that will allow labs and users of the company's QiaStat-Dx syndromic molecular testing platform to continually monitor tests and instrument status. The platform can monitor a nearly unlimited number of instruments, providing visibility of testing routines across different hospitals or satellite labs. Customers will be able to receive instrument and test status push notifications across their personal devices, and continuous connectivity will allow Qiagen technical service to monitor instrument health in real time, the company said. Qiagen began marketing and distributing QiaSphere for the QiaCube Connect platform in early 2021.

Guardant Health has launched Guardant Reveal, a blood-based liquid biopsy test for the detection of residual and recurrent disease in cancer patients. Intended initially for the early-stage colorectal cancer space, the assay detects circulating tumor DNA in patients' blood to identify those with residual disease who may benefit most from adjuvant therapy and/or detect the first signs of a recurrence. Results are returned in as little as seven days without the need for a tissue biopsy.