• Beckman Coulter (Fullerton, California) has launched the UniCel DxC 880i Synchron Access clinical system, an integrated 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.

• Onset Therapeutics (Cumberland, Rhode Island) reported the launch of Anestafoam, a topical foam formulation containing lidocaine 4%. Anestafoam incorporates the company’s Delevo foam technology and is indicated for the temporary relief of pain associated with minor cuts and scrapes, abrasions, skin irritation, sunburn, burns and insect bites. The Delevo foam technology incorporates active ingredients in a foam vehicle that uses a semi-solid emollient micro-emulsion system to deliver the active ingredient rapidly and efficiently. The foam is moisturizing, alcohol-free, easy to spread over large areas of the body, and leaves no messy residue after absorption into the skin. Onset specializes in skin treatments.

• Paradigm Medical Industries (Salt Lake City) is introducing new advance developments to the Paradigm-Dicon LD400 full-field autoperimetry system. The LD400 is 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 Medical Industries specializes in ultrasound devices.