• Accelr8 Technology (Denver) said research investigators at the Denver Health Medical Center have presented results of a study using the company's BACcel rapid diagnostic system. The purpose of the study was to estimate the potential impact of rapid diagnosis on reducing the use of suboptimal and inactive therapy caused by delays in obtaining results from standard lab cultures. The investigators analyzed stored isolates using a prototype BACcel system, measuring the test's accuracy and speed in classifying MRSA and susceptible strains in the isolates that caused the original infections. They found the BACcel identification test had 100% sensitivity and 89% specificity in identifying MRSA within four hours of analysis of the isolates.

• Aurora Imaging Technology (North Andover, Massachusetts) said that the Aurora 1.5 Tesla dedicated breast MRI system has received FDA clearance for AuroraSpectroscopy, the company's breast magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy package. The availability of AuroraSpectroscopy will provide Aurora Breast MRI the capability to perform in vivo breast MR spectroscopy (MRS) and MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI). AuroraSpectroscopy was developed to supplement Aurora breast MRI by further improving the image specificity of this groundbreaking technology. The Aurora breast MRI remains the only FDA-cleared dedicated breast MRI system specifically designed for the detection, diagnosis and management of breast disease alone.

• BASi (West Lafayette, Indiana) reported the introduction of an automated in vivo sampling system sized to collect blood and other samples from pigs and large mammals. Called the Culex-L, the new system uses the same concept as BASi's popular Culex system for rodents, in which a harness allows the animal virtually complete freedom of movement while permitting computer-controlled dosing and sampling through an implanted catheter, all without human intervention. In the Culex-L, an array of sensors control the movement of the pen, causing it to rotate counter to movement by the pig. Thus, although the pig moves freely within the pen, the animal remains stationary relative to the pen's exterior space, allowing a tangle-free harness, without swivels or unions. The system can be used to automatically collect different bio-fluid samples, including blood, micro-dialysis and ultra-filtration collections, urine and feces. It automatically stores up to 24 vials within a self-contained refrigerated unit.

• Cepheid (Sunnyvale, California) said the FDA has categorized Cepheid's Xpert MRSA/SA Blood Culture (BC) test as "Moderate Complexity" under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). The new test is designed for on-demand detection of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Staphylococcus aureus in positive patient blood culture bottles. The test runs on Cepheid's GeneXpert system, the leading platform for on-demand detection of Healthcare Acquired Infections. The GeneXpert system is a closed, self-contained, fully-integrated and automated platform that represents a paradigm shift in the automation of molecular analysis, producing accurate results in a timely manner with minimal risk of contamination. The GeneXpert combines on-board sample preparation with real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification and detection functions for fully integrated and automated nucleic acid analysis. The system is designed to purify, concentrate, detect and identify targeted nucleic acid sequences thereby delivering answers directly from unprocessed samples.

• Neoprobe (Dublin, Ohio) has introduced a new gamma detection probe. The new probe is based on Bluetooth wireless technology and is intended for use in laparoscopic procedures to communicate gamma radiation counts to the company's neoprobe GDS or neo2000 gamma detection control units. The neoprobe GDS control unit contains internal circuitry that enables it to communicate with Neoprobe's family of wireless probes without the necessity of an external adapter. The company said its wireless gamma detection products eliminate cumbersome cables that can unnecessarily complicate the surgical field. Neoprobe's line of gamma detection systems are widely used by cancer surgeons in a procedure called sentinel lymph node biopsy or intraoperative lymphatic mapping.