• Brahms USA (Annapolis, Maryland) reported FDA clearance for its Procalcitonin (PCT) Kryptor test to be used in critically ill patients on the first day of ICU admission as an aid to assess risk for progression to severe sepsis and septic shock. The test will assist in determining whether an infection is bacterial or viral and provide information on the severity of a patient's condition less than an hour after a blood sample is drawn. Bacterial infections cause PCT to be produced by almost every organ of the body, resulting in a rapid rise of PCT levels in the blood and a reflection of the severity of bacterial infection. Brahms makes blood tests for clinical use.

• Carl Zeiss Meditec (Dublin, California) has introduced two new optical coherence tomography (OCT) applications. With advanced algorithms available for Cirrus HD–OCT and Stratus OCT, ophthalmologists now have advanced imaging capabilities available for assessing and managing glaucoma and diseases of the retina. "The Cirrus HD–OCT provides the most detailed scan patterns and layer maps available for identifying retinal and glaucoma disease characteristics, and monitoring disease progression," according to the company. Stratus OCT features advanced serial analysis and guided progression analysis (GPA) software for objective measurement and subjective clinical evaluation in the detection of glaucoma and retinal diseases. OCT is an imaging method that uses light to scan the retina able to be performed on undilated pupils as small as 3 mm in diameter, providing real–time information about the structure of the living eye, using light to scan the retina and optic disc. Carl Zeiss Meditec makes ophthalmic devices and surgical systems.

• Connect Imaging (Honolulu, Hawaii) has introduced software for use with FCRm digital mammography systems from FUJIFILM Medical Systems USA. According to Philip Manly, CEO of Connect, the company developed its newest module, called VCM Port, to address an issue Connect Imaging identified while validating its PACS for use with Fuji's computed radiography mammography system installed at one of Connect's clients. Manly said that Fuji has fully validated the VCM Port software and now offers it for use with the company's FCRm digital mammography systems. Users of Fuji's FCRm system also may purchase the software directly from Connect Imaging. Connect Imaging makes picture archiving and communication systems.

• iCAD (Nashua, New Hampshire) said that its SecondLook digital computer–aided detection system for mammography received FDA approval for sale with Computed Radiography for Mammography (FCRm) systems from Fujifilm (Stamford, Connecticut). SecondLook digital for FCRm is the first CAD product approved and available in the U.S. for use with computed radiography. iCAD makes computer–aided detection solutions.

• Immunicon (Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania) reported the availability of a new product portfolio for Fluorescence In–Situ Hybridization (FISH) testing. The RF Poseidon FISH Probes are available to the life science and diagnostic clinical laboratories. FISH probes are used to detect gene amplification, gene rearrangements, microdeletions, chromosome duplications and other genetic abnormalities. FISH testing is a technique used to look at chromosomes (the parts of the cell that contain genetic information in the form of DNA) or genes (specific regions of DNA in chromosomes that make RNA and proteins). Pieces of DNA containing a fluorescent dye are labeled and added to cells on a glass slide. When viewed under a fluorescent microscope, parts of chromosomes or genes that bind the pieces of DNA show up as colored. FISH is routinely used in an increasing number of molecular diagnostic areas, including disease diagnosis, therapeutic targeting, drug development, gene mapping and karyotyping analysis. FISH specifically is used to detect gene amplification, gene rearrangements, microdeletions, chromosome duplications and viral infections. Immunicon makes cell– and molecular–based human diagnostic and life science research products.

• Siemens Healthcare (San Francisco) reported the introduction of its smallest ultrasound solution — the Acuson P10 ultrasound system. Siemens says that the Acuson P10 handheld diagnostic ultrasound system is a little larger than a common PDA, weighs only 1.6 pounds, and fits into a lab coat pocket. It delivers on–demand ultrasound imaging and is intended for complementary initial diagnostic care and triage, particularly in emergency care, cardiology and obstetrics. The Acuson P10 system can be used by physicians and medical personnel in a number of environments including intensive care units, ambulances and medevac helicopters. In emergency situations, it is the point of care exam tool allowing for earlier, faster and more accurate screening and triage decisions. Its emergency applications include FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) to detect free fluid, the determination of cardiac activity and pericardial effusion, as well as detecting abdominal aortic aneurysms and performing pelvic exams. Siemens Healthcare delivers solutions across the entire continuum of care — from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care.