Welcome!

Amplex Diagnostics are known for their LAMP technology (utilised in the eazyMini and eazyPlex test range) and applications in fast, accurate and reliable solutions in as little as 20 minutes for detection of a whole range of common, and uncommon, pathogens.

They have now innovatively combined LAMP technology with CRISPR to produce their new products eazySNP (s.ingle n.ucleotide p.olymorphs), with their first application being used to target one of the world's most significant multi-drug-resistant yeast pathogens: Candidozyma auris.

eazySNP C. auris FKS1 S639 is the first CE-IVD-certified diagnostic test of its kind, and enables the highly specific detection of clinically relevant mutations in the FKS1 gene associated with echinocandin resistance.

Echniocandins currently represent the first-line treatment option for C. auris infections, meaning the rapid identification of resistance-associated variants is of considerable clinical importance.

The assay is performed directly from a yeast colony, using the eazyMini platform, and delivers results within just 45 minutes. This means that the eazySNP technology therefore provides, for the first time, a rapid targeted molecular solution for the detection of this important resistance marker.

welcome!

It has been a while since I did a post on sifin so this week we are returning to highlight their bacterial test reagents for Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia & E. coli diagnostics, and their monoclonal antibodies.

If you remember my first article about sifin, that was the very first article I wrote for BioConnections since graduating university in 2023 (I think that's when it was) so let's see if I have improved in 7 months.

Welcome! Welcome!

This week we're looking at Erba Mannheim again, and their clinical microbiology products. They have quite a few so this may be a long one with lots of tables. But first, who are Erba?

Welcome! Welcome!

We're once again back for our weekly (maybe a little longer) article about a product! 

This week we're focusing on something new, our own bench reagents. We supply quite a few so there's a lot to cover, in total we have: 

• Catalase
• Kovacs reagent
• KOH
• Oxidase strips
• Neisseria PET
• Spot Indole
• Pyrazinamidase test
• Nitrate discs
• Ninhydrin
• Nitrate reagents
• Urease
• Nitrocefin discs

As you can see we have quite a few, so let's get into it! 

To observe the action of these enzymes, catalase reagent, a dilute solution of hydrogen peroxide is added to a pure bacterial culture. Any immediate observed bubbling is indicative of a positive result, since oxygen is a byproduct of hydrogen peroxide decomposition. This test can also be useful in the differentiation of Gram-positive bacilli. 

Catalse 15%

CK9810, 5 x 3ml Vials

The Wadsworth manual recommends 15% hydrogen peroxide for the catalase testing of anaerobes as being more sensitive than 3%. NB. Care is needed when performing catalase tests on colonies growing on blood agar, as the medium itself will give a positive reaction.

The test can be done by impregnating the reagent onto a filter paper, and touching a colony, they rubbing it onto the impregnated paper by touching the colony with the swab impregnated with the reagent. 

The developing reagent CK9801 Ferrous sulphate as a solution has a short shelf-life, to overcome this problem, the reagent is therefore supplied as a pellet in the dropper bottles, to be reconstituted before use. 

All Neisseria species are oxidase positive, and most fermenting Gram-negative rods are oxidase negative, with the exception of some Vibrios, Aermonads, Pasturella and Chromobacteriae. 

Most non-fermenting Gram-negative rods are oxidase positive. The test involves smearing a portion of the freshly cultured colony onto a moistened strip and observing. The development of a blue/ black colour within 30 seconds indicates a positive reaction. The test is being carried out using colonies picked from a blood containing medium, using either a plastic or platinum loop, a nichrome loop may generate false positives and should not be used. 

Kovacs Reagent

CK9020 5 x 3ml Vials 

Kovacs reagent is intended to be used for the detection of tryptophanase production, which can be used as an aid in the differentiation of the Enterobacterales and other genera. The active ingredient of Kovacs reagent, p-dimethlyaminobenzaldehyde, reacts with indole to form a pink/red compound. 

Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) 3%

CK9860 5 x 3ml Vials 

KOH is intended for use in the differentiation of Gram-positive, and Gram-negative, organism. Being simple and easy to use, while being rapid and inexpensive. KOH can be used in addition to a Gram-stain for primary differentiation of bacterial isolates. 

Other Reagents in our Catalogue 

For more information on each please contact us via our website, our email or telephone. 

• Nitrate Discs - CK9850
• Ninhydrin 3.5% - CK9058
• Nitrate Reagent A - CK9841
• Nitrate Reagent B - CK9842
• Urease (15 Minutes) - CK3650
• Urease/Indole - CK4651

Anaerobe Identification 

These reagents are required for first day 'Level one' identification, recommended in the Wadsworth Anaerobic Bacteriology Manual. 

• Catalase 15% - CK9810
• KOH 3% - CK9860

Neisseria Detection 

Neisseria PET (preformed enzyme test) presumptively identifies N. gonorrhoea, meningitis and Lactamaca in 32 minutes. 

• Neisseria PET - CK3025
• Nitrocefin Discs - CK2001
• Oxidase Strips - CK3520

Whilst the use of a single test method, and clinical findings, may be considered sufficient for a presumptive identification, we would advise the use of at least 2 test methods involving different principles (such as biochemical, antigenic or molecular) before issuing a definitive/confirmed identification for Neisseria gonorrhoea (advice from the UKHSA SMI (Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea infection - testing by nucleic amplification tests (NAATs) - Virology, V37, Issue 5, 12.12.24))

Welcome! Welcome!

This week, I've decided that you all could do with a refresher on what BioConnections actually supplies, all of it! This means all of the companies we supply products for, their areas of expertise and more! Let's get started. 

A German-based company founded in 2002, specialising in providing rapid & robust CE-IVD tests to aid in the diagnosis of microbiological infections. Their Eazyplex system combines isothermal amplification with real-time detection. This is all supported by the eazyMini, a tabletop device that can provide you rapid results for common and rare infections in as little as 25 minutes.

For more information: https://www.bioconnections.co.uk/amplex-home

If you've worked in a microbiology lab, you've probably used chromogenic media to culture samples on. CHROMagar supplies the widest range of chromogenic culture media, and we supply it, in dehydrated format, across the UK. At BioConnections, we supply dehydrated media as it helps simplify logistics and gains flexibility in transportation & storage. It can be shipped at room temperature and stored in a cupboard. The product itself has a long shelf-life, minimising waste and ensuring you always have the plates when you need them most.

For more information: https://www.bioconnections.co.uk/chromagar-home

These folk are a leading expert in rapid in vitro diagnostics for human infectious diseases, and have been since 1996. Based in Belgium, Coris Bioconcept develops & produces IVD kits for respiratory, gastroenteric and blood-borne pathogens (bacteria, viruses and parasites). This is as well as serological assays, mainly based on immunochromatographic technology. Furthermore, the also produce antigen controls, a cornerstone of reliable immunoassays, offering distinct, yet complimentary, applications.

For more information: https://www.bioconnections.co.uk/coris-bioconcept

ERA are you one-stop-shop for anything and everything fungal. They provide lateral flow assays (FungiXpert), real-time PCR kits, the CLIA solution and ELISA tests. That's not all! They also provide the immunochromatography analyser and the FACIS machine. The FungiXpert range is a range of fungal diagnostic lateral flow assays, used for the detection of the most common fungal pathogens (Aspergillus, Candida & Cryptococcus) either qualitatively or quantitatively.

For more information: https://www.bioconnections.co.uk/era-biology

Erba Lachema (a subsidiary of Erba Mannheim) is a global in-vitro diagnostic company, providing affordable, automated testing solutions. Mikrolatest is their specialised line of microbiology diagnostic kits used in clinical laboratories to identify bacteria and determine their susceptibility to antibiotics. The Mikrolatest MIC offers a precise and quantitative determination of minimum inhibitory concentration of antimicrobial agents which inhibit visible growth of bacteria. The microdillution method is based on rehydration of antibiotics by suspension media in individual wells.

For more information: https://www.bioconnections.co.uk/erba

If you need a control, Microbiologics probably has it and more. You know when you go to IKEA and it kind of just keeps going? That's Microbiologics when you look at their full catalogue, it just keeps going. They have molecular controls, reference strains, parasite controls, syndrome-specific & system specific control panels. From individual organisms to quality control multiplex panels, Microbiologics genuinely have a control for everything.

For more information: https://www.bioconnections.co.uk/microbiologics

REAL is a brand name of Durviz, a Spanish manufacturer and distributor of laboratory products including molecular tests and parasite detection accessories. The Mini was launched in 2010, a smaller, quicker and cleaner solution with a small volume collection tube, requiring less reagent volumes. Following this was the launch of the Midi, a larger alternative with the same composition. What really sets these apart from the competitors is Total-fix, a fixative with no formaldehyde, PVA or mercury, that maintains the same fixing power. The Graham test, is a specialised, ready-to-use medical device that is designed to detect Enterobius vermicularis eggs in the perianal area.

For more information: https://www.bioconnections.co.uk/real-durviz

Rosco Diagnostica produces a comprehensive range of microbiology diagnostic products, designed for bacterial identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and resistance detection. Neosensitabs are tables manufactured using crystalline antimicrobials, resulting in no loss of activity due to degradation, controlled and uniformed release of antibiotics and reliable results at all times. Diatabs on the other hand have many advantages with rapid enzymatic and modified conventional testing, detection of natural susceptibility patterns or growth factor requirements. Diatabs can be used in combination with Neo-sensitabs, helping laboratories make rapid, accurate, diagnoses. Being widely used in clinical laboratories worldwide, Diatabs and Neo-sensitabs provide reliable, flexible and cost-effective methods for accurate microbiological analysis, improving patient outcomes.

For more information: https://www.bioconnections.co.uk/rosco-home

SensID are a Microbiologics company, specialising in the development & manufacturing of reference material, and quality controls in DNA diagnostics. They are one of the few companies we supply that are not strictly clinical microbiology focused. They have a range of products such as reference materials/ quality controls, which have been precisely characterised and manufactured under the highest standards. SensID products are an ideal solution if you're in R&D, need to validate some instruments, been told by UKAS to use an external control, need to prepare for accreditation, run ring trials or conformity assessments, want to use them as part of a diagnostic test kit, or something else!

For more information: https://www.bioconnections.co.uk/sensid-controls

If you're in the market for antisera for salmonella, shigella, yersinia or e.coli identification, look no further! To add to this sifin also product salmonella and shigella controls for slide agglutination. "Both salmonella and shigella reactions were noticeably stronger and easier to read with the Sifin antisera. We also observed that weak non-specific reactions with our existing antisera, caused by Hafnia alvei and E. coli (which would normally require further testing) were virtually eliminated with the Sifin antisera."- U.K Customer Testimonial

For more information: https://www.bioconnections.co.uk/sifin-diagnostics

And that's everyone! Next time we'll be back to your regularly scheduled programme, when I figure out what to do next. 

Welcome! Welcome!

We're back this week to talk about SensID and their genomic reference material! SensID are a Microbiologics company, specialising in the development & manufacturing of reference material and quality controls in DNA diagnostics. 

They produce a range of products such as reference materials/ quality controls which are precisely characterised and manufactured under the highest standards. 

SensID's products are an ideal solution for R&D, the validation of instruments, for use as an external control, in the preparation for accreditation, ring trials, conformity assessments, as part of a diagnostic test kit, and more!

In May 2024, SensID launched their metagenome control material, promising to revolutionise molecular healthcare through the rapid identification of thousands of microbes. The control material enables the detection of bacteria, DNA viruses, fungi and parasite all within a single day using next-generation sequencing and polymerase chain reaction platforms

This product is ideally suited for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows. Especially for:

• Assay validation. This means that it can be used as a spike-in reference to confirm that the extraction, library preparation, and sequencing pipelines accurately detect low-abundance microbial DNA without high background interference. 
• Pipeline comparison. Datasets curated from SensID standards can be compared to bioinformatics tools to optimise pathogen detection algorithms (such as distinguishing true microbial presence from wet-lab contamination). 

Welcome! Welcome!

Welcome back to your regularly (not really) scheduled program of me telling you about something!

This week is a new week! which means we're talking about a new company: ERA Biology! These folks have a range of different products, ranging from lateral flow assays, to real-time PCR, to machines that do the reading for you!

ERa's Catalogue

Here's a table for you! I have collected all of the tests together, so you have a nice easy viewing experience finding out if ERA do a test you're interested in. You're welcome!

The immunochromatography reader is a pre-programmed instrument for quantitatively reading lateral flow assays. The reader itself has a built-in standard curve, which is recognised by the ID on the cassette itself.

Boasting simple operation, where the barcode for the test is scanned, read and results presented by the handheld device. The quantitative results are displayed as determined by the barcode detected standard curve.

The FACIS machine revolutionises fungal diagnostics, being simple, rapid and suitable for all laboratories.

The FACIS is an open system used to detect the content of endotoxins, (1-3)-B-D-glucan and galactomannan in human BAL fluid, or serum, samples. With both photometry, and chemilluminscence systems built in.

In addition to this, the FACIS machine also provides rapid and reliable results for over 10 tests that use CLIA, or chromogenic methods, including but not limited to: bacterial endotoxin test, candida mannan test, interleukin & CRP.

welcome! welcome!

This week (and whilst stocks last) we are giving away a free sample of the Mini FPC System with Total-Fix to anyone who wants to try it out. It's as free as it comes and available until we literally run out of them to give away so do not hesitate to reach out to us, we will send you one!

REAL by Durviz

Now you may remember I've spoken about these folks before, so If you remember what I said last time, great! If you've never heard of them before, let me tell you all about them.

REAL is a specialised brand of laboratory analysis and life-science products owned by Durviz S.L. which is a biotechnology company based in Valencia, Spain. The REAL product range focuses specifically on molecular biology, parasitology, and clinical sample collections, with their primary offerings including:

• The innovative Mini and Midi systems, which are closed, clean & ecological collection devices designed to safely store and concentrate stool samples for intestinal parasite and helminth egg detection.
• The Graham Test, a ready to use, glass slide with adhesive tape, for the diagnosis of the presence of pinworm eggs in the perianal area. It is designed to be safe and easy to use, simplifying the sampling process by avoiding patient contact with glass and contamination through direct contact with the perianal area.

The Mini and Midi FPC System

The REAL Mini & Midi system is a patented device for stool sample conservation and concentration, it is "the best solution for your laboratory to manage faecal samples. Being cleaner, smaller, more effective and ecological."

The system is designed to simplify sample processing, with no additional consumables being required. The long spoon ensures the technician is not in touch with the sample at anytime, keeping them protected from touching the sample, whilst the fixative turns the sample non-infective. Furthermore, the inclusion of glass beads in the sample chamber benefit with the homogenisation of the sample.

More information? I thought you'd never ask:

• Cap with tablespoon and glass beads for homogenisation
• Small amount of sample required
• Sedimentation cone for centrifugation
• Compatible with 15ml/50ml centrifuge rotors
• Plastic bag for the transport of the samples and clinical data sheet
• Four-step procedure
• Two different filters (400 and 250 microns) to separate the debris in the sample from the specimen without clogging
• 4ml or 10ml of fixative respectively
• Caps available for sediment storage (optional)
• EASYPICK (Optional): Pipettes and pierced caps for a clean collection of the sediment
• Tube rack, for easy handling and management
• Special silicone seals to prevent leakages
• CE IVD Marked.

Formaldehyde is not scary when you don't use it

The Mini and Midi systems come pre-loaded with Total-fix fixative. What makes this special is that it is Formaldehyde, mercury and PVA free, boasting the same fixing power as that of Formaldehyde based fixatives.

Furthermore, as Total-fix is not Formaldehyde based, that means that the same sample is also compatible with molecular techniques, without the need for a separate sample. Now if Total-Fix doesn't sound like your cup of tea, we also supply the Mini and Midi empty, with no fixative included so you can use your own.

Did I mention we're giving stuff away? For free!

Yes if you missed it earlier I will re-iterate it, we are giving away a sample of the Mini FPC system, with Total-Fix included, for free! No strings attached, on the house, complimentary, as a bonus. You name it we'll give it to you for free!

This is only available while we have it in stock, when we run out, we run out and we go back to charging you for it. If you would like your sample, reach out to us at: welcome@bioconnections.co.uk or give us a call on: 01782 516010.

WELCOME! WELCOME!

That's right we're back, returning from our may hiatus (I was too busy organising and redesigning the catalogue page) to talk to you about Microbiologics' range of multiplex QC panels for Cepheid GeneXpert and the BioFire film array panels.

As you can see, we're talking about five specific panels that have a range of targets and are intended for use with specific panels and instruments. To break it down for you:

For the Cepheid Xpert GI Panel:

• #8267: GI Verification Panel (Pellet) - 11 Targets. Negative Control - Patient relevant matrix.
• #8248: GI Control Panel (Swab) - 11 Targets. Negative Control - Patient relevant matrix.

For the BioFire BCID2 Panel:

• #8254: BCID Control Panel (Pellet) - 43 Targets. Negative Control - Blank pellet.

For the BioFire respiratory 2.1 Panel:

• #8247: Respiratory Control Panel (Pellet) - 22 Targets. Negative Control - Blank Pellet.

For the BioFire Gastrointestinal panel:

• #8236: GI Control Panel (Pellet) - 22 Targets. Negative Control - Blank pellet.

Why you should use third-party controls in your lab

Within clinical laboratories, it is important to ascertain and maintain the highest possible standards of accuracy and reliability in test performance.

Therefore, routine internal quality control checks are integral to this process and are performed daily, sometimes multiple times per day, weekly or monthly.

This routine QC ensures the precision and reliability of both analytical instruments and their reagents. Some key benefits to using third-party controls are as follows:

• They allow for the independent and unbiased assessment of instruments and method performance.
• They are highly consolidated QC materials, this means that the laboratory can save time, space and costs by combining multiple controls into a single, efficient solution.
• Compliance with ISO 15189 is a point that is always spoken about, especially when UKAS visits are incoming. The use of third-party QCs helps laboratories meet these stringent regulatory and accreditation requirements, ensuring high standards of practice.

So why choose Microbiologics?

In their own words, Microbiologics "maximises the advantages of external controls by engineering QC products to resemble patient samples in the manner of sample collection and handling".

Their controls are available as lyophilised swab and pellet formats, with their molecular controls designed to be processed as if they were patient samples. They have a vast portfolio for the KWIK-STIKs alone, including the major syndromic groups of infectious disease. Chances are if you are looking for a control, whether it's syndrome, or system, specific, Microbiologics have a control for it.

Blood Culture Identification 

Microbiologics 

BioConnections