• Beckman Coulter (Fullerton, California) has launched the UniCel DxC 880i Synchron Access clinical system, a work cell which consolidates chemistry and immunoassay testing targeted to high-volume laboratories. The latest addition to the company’s work cell family combines Beckman Coulter’s chemistry system, the UniCel DxC 800, and the industry’s highest-throughput immunoassay system, the UniCel DxI 800. From a single point of sample entry, the UniCel DxC 880i offers a menu of more than 150 different chemistry and immunoassay tests — with 120 onboard — ranging from cardiac and tumor markers to tests for renal function and more. The system can process up to 1440 chemistry tests per hour and up to 400 immunoassay tests per hour. Beckman Coulter makes products that simplify, automate and innovate complex biomedical tests.

• Nioxin Research Laboratories (Atlanta) said that it will offer an easy to access and understand genetic test that determines the likelihood of developing male pattern baldness — before it actually begins to happen. Similarly, a test for women is being developed and may be available soon. Nioxin has entered into an agreement with HairDX (Irvine, California) to offer the test as part of its next generation effort in introducing scientifically proven scalp and hair products. The test works when the participant swabs their mouth (inside cheek) for several seconds and returns the swab in a sealed pack to the HairDX lab. HairDX performs a confidential and anonymous genetic analysis of the individual’s genetic variations related to pattern baldness. The confidential results are delivered via a secure Web site. Nioxin specializes in skincare for the scalp.

• Paradigm Medical Industries (Salt Lake City) is introducing new developments to the Paradigm-Dicon LD400 full-field autoperimetry system used to measure patient visual fields to determine the severity of glaucoma and to aid in managing the disease. New developments to the LD400 include redesigning the existing software, assuring device compatibility with a variety of printers and making the device fully networkable. All connections will be through USB ports. Paradigm specializes in ultrasound devices.

• Response Genetics (Los Angeles) said that its ResponseDX: Lung and ResponseDX: Colon tests are now available to select medical institutions and practice groups through its CLIA-registered laboratory. ResponseDX: Lung and ResponseDX: Colon are PCR-based tests that help guide therapeutic treatment decisions in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). This test measures ERCC1 gene expression, a molecular marker to identify NSCLC and CRC patients who may and may not benefit from platinum-based therapy. Response is engaged in the research and development of pharmacogenomic cancer diagnostic tests.

• SonoSite (Bothell, Washington) reported introduction of the new M-OB/GYN Office ultrasound tool for the physician’s office. Based on SonoSite’s fourth generation M-Turbo platform, the M-OB/GYN Office system delivers an exponential increase in processing power and superior image clarity for obstetrical and gynecological imaging, plus connectivity for digital image export in a rugged, easy to use form factor. Each M-OB/GYN office tool comes complete with two transducers - the C60x/5-2 MHz curved array transducer for abdominal scanning and the ICTx/8-5 MHz intracavitary curved array transducer for pelvic imaging. A specialized software package includes Tissue Harmonic Imaging, color Doppler and advanced OB calculations. SonoSite also introduced the S-MSK ultrasound tool, which it said is the first ultrasound product customized for musculoskeletal specialists – including rheumatologists, physiatrists, sports physicians, orthopedic and osteopathic surgeons and physical therapists. Configured for use with SonoSite’s HFL38x and L25x broadband transducers, the S-MSK provides imaging of superficial and deep targets for a quick look assessment and guidance of interventional procedures such as injections and aspirations of the knee, shoulder, elbow and other joints in the body. SonoSite makes hand-carried ultrasound.

• Vermillion (Fremont, California) presented data from several studies demonstrating benefits of the company’s ovarian cancer protein biomarker panel. The data suggest that use of Vermillion’s biomarkers could help better identify women with ovarian cancer, as well as improve the detection of early-stage disease. A clinical study examining Vermillion’s marker panel for ovarian cancer provided independent validation that it can distinguish malignant tumors from benign pelvic masses. Results of the study demonstrated that the biomarker panel could more than double the number of ovarian cancer cases referred to a gynecologic oncologist, thereby improving survival rates and reducing the number of surgeries performed. Vermillion is a molecular diagnostics company.