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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.
Amplex Diagnostics
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
CHROMagar
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
Coris BioConept
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 Biology
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 Mannheim/ lachema
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
Microbiologics
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 (From Durviz)
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
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
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
sifin diagnostics
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.
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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).
Sensid's full catalogue
Sensid's full catalogue
SensID don't just have cfDNA in Plasma for Metagenomics, they have a whole range of genomic reference material for whatever you may need. For more information on SensID's product range please use the link!
Product Brochure
Product Brochure
We also have a product brochure with lots of information in it, it's the same one we give out at events & conferences, so if you would like a copy we can send you one too!
Heading
While stocks last, we are giving out complimentary samples of the Mini FPC system by REAL. If you would like more information, or to request your complimentary sample, reach out to us using the link!
REAL's mini FPC system is ideal for people who don't want the faff of formaldehyde, whilst maintaining the same fixing power.
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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.
System-Specific Panels
System-Specific Panels
For more information of the specific targets of each panel, please follow this link
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.
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It's a new week, so it's a new BioConnections post! This week we're talking blood culture identification (BCID). BCID is covered mainly by Microbiologics and their QC panels, but you'll never guess what! We supply our own Fastidious Anaerobe Agar (F.A.A) for culturing your positive blood cultures on!
Blood Culture Identification
Complementing this, BioConnections (our own) FAA Agar provides a high-performance medium for the cultivation of fastidious anaerobes, supporting consistent growth and reproducible results. Together, these tools empower laboratories to maintain the highest standards in microbiological testing while enhancing efficiency and patient outcomes.
Microbiologics
The Gram-Negative Blood Culture Control Panel also includes 3 pools containing 3-5 inactivated microorganisms per pool. Kits contain 5 vials of each pool (15 total vials) and feature colour coordinated labels for easy pool identification.
BioConnections
Yes your eyes are working correctly, We offer our own F.A.A agar for you to pour your own plates. These plates have one of the same benefits as CHROMagar dehydrated media (if you think back to last week), it has a super long shelf-life! It comes in either 500g or 2.5kg that can be sent to you!
Our medium also has the option to be made selective with the addition of antibiotic supplements. This is the medium of choice for the routine isolation of clinically significant anaerobes, our medium supports the growth of most fastidious anaerobes. Classical colony formation, odour and fluorescence under UV are diagnostic features on this medium. The choice of peptones and growth factors provide early growth of most organisms whilst the starch has an important role as a de-toxification agent. The medium is often made selective for various groups of anaerobes by the addition of appropriate selective agents.
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The Section about background
Carbapenemase-producing organisms are a group of bacteria which produce carbapenemases, making them resistant to the antibiotic, carbapenems. Carbapenems are a beta-lactam antibacterial with a broad spectrum of activity. This spectrum includes many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and anaerobes; imipenem (imipenem with cilastatin) and meropenem have activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but emerging acquired resistance can be a problem. [1]
CPOs can usually be found in the normal gut flora of humans and animals, without causing a problem/ colonising. The issues are apparent when they get into places they are not supposed to be, like the bladder and especially the bloodstream (with a high mortality of 40-50%). This is why it is quite a big issue in hospitals (CPE outbreak 2015/2016) where people are already unwell and on antibiotics, or have a weakened immune system. [2]
[1] https://bnf.nice.org.uk/treatment-summaries/carbapenems/
[2] https://www.uclh.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-information-pages/carbapenemase-producing-organisms-cpo
Prevalence and incidence
From October 2020 to December 2024, there were 20 544 reported episodes of acquired carbapenemase-producing organisms (to the UKHSA), with the majority of these being identified from screening samples, accounting for 71.7% of these reports and 910 cases (4.4%) being from sterile sites. However, in Q4 2024 the rate of reported CPO episodes decreased when compared to Q3 2024 (3.3/100 000 population compared to the previous 3.7/100 000 population). This being the highest since mandatory reporting initially began in 2020. [1]
To dive deeper, the highest rate of CPO continued to be in London and the North West (26.2 and 22.7 per 100 000 population, respectively). Furthermore, NHS North West London ICB had the highest rate (40.2 per 100 000 population) and NHS Gloucestershire ICB having the lowest (0.8 per 100 000 population). [1]
Between Q1 2024 and Q4 2024, the most reported acquired carabapenemase was NDM (35.9%), followed up by OXA-48-like (34.4%) and finally KPC (19.6%). This was also seen to vary by region, OXA-48-like was the most reported mechanism in the East of England and the West Midlands, whereas KPC dominated the reports for the North West (NDM being the most reported mechanism throughout). [1]
11 years ago, in 2015, there was a sudden rise in cases of faecal colonisation with KPC-producing E. coli, detected in the Manchester Heart Centre at the Manchester Royal Infirmary. Between the 1st of April 2014 and the 30th of December 2014, there were 23 new CRE-colonised individuals, detected in the MHC, including 2 with E. coli. A CRE outbreak was declared on the 2nd of January 2015, following 6 new CRE-colonised individuals identifications (4 with blaKPC and 2 with blaNDM; no E. coli). [2]
Following the outbreak, investigations identified that the bacteria were present in clinical hand-wash basins, sink sites and floor scrubbers. This lead to the trust implementing strict environmental cleaning, enhanced surveillance for patients, and routine screening of patients. By January 2015, the Manchester foundation trust were operating a trust-wide screening program (>110 screens/day). From September-December 2014, 16 612 samples from 7 239 inpatients were screened using either culture (9 808 samples), or PCR and culture (6 804). Overall, CRE prevalence was 3.8% (438 positive samples from 272 patients), with molecular mechanism data for 135/163 PCR-positive samples indicating that blaKPC accounted for most carbapenem resistance (97%). [2]
[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/carbapenemase-producing-gram-negative-bacteria-laboratory-surveillance/carbapenemase-producing-gram-negative-organisms-in-england-since-october-2020-quarterly-update-q4-2024#background
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6256751/
CHROMagar mSuperCARBA was designed to simplify the detection of CPEs, including the big five (OKNVI), this allows for the improved monitoring of high-risk patients and routine screening of inpatients and transfers. The distinctive colours produced by individual colonies allows for the presumptive positive results to be assessed within 24hrs of reception of the sample.
What more can I say? It's dehydrated media that you can sit on your shelf in your storeroom, it has a shelf life of almost 2 years so you'll never go to use it to find it's gone out of date. You just pour the plates when you need them, in the exact quantity you need them. 5L of dehydrated media will make about 250 plates too!
Rosco Diagnostica has developed and produces convenient systems for the detection, rapid colorimetric and assembled kits with disc diffusion tablets, complete with ready-to-use cartridges of the necessary combined Neo-Sensitabs or Diatabs, and a guide to their use. Rosco diagnostica rapid colorimetric kits have the following advantages over their competitors:
- No reagent preparation needed
- Longer shelf-life, most Neo-sensitabs do NOT need refrigeration, and the ones that do can remain on a bench out of the fridge for 2 months during use!
- Stable crystalline imipenem.
- Lower cost
Helix Elite molecular standards are advanced quality control materials designed to support the development, validation, and routine monitoring of molecular diagnostic assays. Used across PCR and other nucleic acid-based technologies, these controls help laboratories across the UK and US ensure accuracy, detect visibility, and maintain confidence in test results while meeting regulatory requirements. For Carabpenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, there is one control panel, this being: #8187 Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) Control Panel (Inactivated swab). This kit includes 6 positive control swabs and 6 negative control swabs. Each positive swab consisting of:
- Escherichia coli derived from NCTC 13476
- Klebsiella pneumoniae derived from NCTC 13440
- Klebsiella pneumoniae derived from NCTC 13443
- Klebsiella pneumoniae derived from NCTC 13438
- Klebsiella pneumoniae derived from NCTC 13442
For your OKNVI's (OXA, KPC, NDM, VIM, IMP) there are individual organisms that can be used for your phenotyping and quality controls. These being:
- OXA: #01148P - Klebsiella pneumoniae derived from NCTC 13442
- KPC: #01117P - Klebsiella pneumoniae derived from NCTC 13438
- NDM: #01060P - Klebsiella pneumoniae derived from ATCC BAA-2146*
- VIM: #01112P - Klebsiella pneumoniae derived from NCTC 13440
- IMP - #01136P - Escherichia coli derived from NCTC 13476
The eazyPlex SuperBug series is a molecular identification product based on LAMP technology, with key features such as:
- Turn-around-times under 30 minutes
- Ease of use, no DNA extraction
- Suitable for single or small numbers of tests
- Samples from urine, rectal swab, blood culture and agar plates
- High accuracy
