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.