2012 Clinical Lab Expo Highlights
AACC's 2012 Clinical Lab Expo in the Los Angeles Convention Center was the place to be to see the newest products from diagnostic manufacturers. Below are highlights from several companies.
Abbott Debuts Technology to Optimize Lab Information Flow
Visitors to Abbott's booth got a look at new products intended to help increase clinical lab productivity and accuracy. Highlights included the debut of OneLab, a web-based software platform that centralizes control over multiple lab data management tools, and of Accelerator a3600 and p540, two automation solutions designed to streamline lab workflow. Abbott also showcased its diagnostic instruments. The company unveiled five software enhancements to its i-STAT handheld blood aalyzer that will improve hospital point-of-care testing programs, and demonstrated the Abbott m2000, a system that fully automates the molecular diagnostic process from sample preparation through amplification and detection using real-time polymerase chain reaction.
Beckman Coulter Improves on High-Throughput Chemistry Analyzers
Innovation was the theme of Beckman Coulter's booth. On display were models of a core lab, a reference lab, and a hospital lab that showcased the company's newest scalable workflow solutions ranging from high-throughput chemistry analyzers to cellular analysis systems. At the focal point of these offerings, Beckman featured the AU5800 clinical chemistry system. The fastest analyzer to date in Beckman's series of AU chemistry testing platforms, the AU5800 is engineered to handle 2,000–9,800 tests/hour in commercial and core hospital labs.
In addition, visitors took advantage of the Innovation Station, where industry experts provided information on lab optimization and advances in testing. In a special event, astronaut and prostate cancer survivor, Captain Mark Kelly, brought attention to Beckman's Prostate Health Index blood test that recently received FDA approval.
Roche Debuts New Mobile Blood Gas Analyzer
Roche's booth featured a comprehensive array of new tools to aid in the diagnostic process, ranging from pre-analytical solutions to a new vitamin D assay. A highlight of their exhibit was the cobas b 123 POC system, a new mobile blood gas analyzer. Made for use in hospital point-of-care programs, this analyzer uses a cutting-edge clot protection system to limit analyzer downtime caused by blood clots. Roche also featured the cobas p 312 pre-analytical system that provides automated sample management while taking up limited floor space, making it adaptable to a wide range of lab environments.
Siemens Unveils New Automation Solutions
Visitors to Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics' booth witnessed the launch of the company's new laboratory automation platform, Aptio Automation. Designed to streamline the flow of samples and information in the lab, the Aptio platform works in concert with Siemens' CentraLink Data Management System, for which the company also premiered upgrades that enhance connectivity and workflow. Additionally, Siemens featured a variety of diagnostic instruments and assays. These included the CA-620 and CA-660 hemostasis analyzers, the CLINITEK Novus Automated Urine Chemistry Analyzer, and the ADVIA Centaur Vitamin D Total Assay.
Sysmex Presents Scalable Hematology Analyzer Series
Sysmex's booth previewed new instruments that are awaiting FDA clearance. The centerpiece of these offerings was the Sysmex XN-Series Hematology Analyzers, a set of scalable instruments that provide advanced clinical parameters to laboratories of any size. These advanced clinical parameters include a fluorescent platelet channel for immature platelet fraction designed to improve thrombocytopenia diagnosis. Sysmex also displayed other products from its hematology portfolio, as well as urinalysis, cell image analysis, and middleware technology. Among these offerings was the WAM Select, a new middleware software that optimizes hematology workflow and results management. Education presentations offered in the booth included hematology technology, diabetes management, and advanced clinical parameters.