• AdvanDx (Woburn, Massachusetts) said that the Lee Memorial Health System has implemented AdvanDx’s molecular-based PNA FISH tests that provide rapid identification of bloodstream pathogens in hours instead of days, enabling labs to quickly report critical information to physicians and pharmacists to ensure optimal therapy and help reduce death rates for patients afflicted with bloodstream infections. Every year, 350,000 patients acquire bloodstream infections in the U.S. resulting in more than 90,000 deaths and significant costs to the healthcare system. Conventional diagnostics methods can take several days and often causes physicians to administer broad antibiotic or antifungal coverage that are potentially ineffective, toxic, expensive or even unnecessary. Ineffective and inappropriate therapy contributes to increased mortality, morbidity, length-of-stay, overall hospital costs and in the long run to increased antibiotic resistance. AdvanDx makes molecular diagnostic products that identify infectious pathogens.

Foreign object ingestion is more common than people think, and while the majority of objects swallowed occur among children, it also happens to adults, primarily those with psychiatric disorders and the mentally handicapped. The recent recall of toys containing small magnets that can come loose and be swallowed by young children highlights the risk of serious injury when foreign objects are ingested. The majority of foreign objects, 80%, that reach the gastrointestinal tract will pass naturally and not require treatment. Ten to 20%, however, will require nonoperative intervention, while 1% or less will require surgery. Endoscopy is safe and effective in treating patients who have swallowed a foreign object that will not pass naturally, according to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (Oak Brook, Illinois). Endoscopy is performed by specially-trained physicians called endoscopists using the most current technology to diagnose and treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Using flexible, thin tubes called endoscopes, endoscopists are able to access the human digestive tract without incisions via natural orifices. Endoscopes are designed with high-intensity lighting and fitted with precision devices that allow viewing and treatment of the gastrointestinal system. In many cases, screening or treatment of conditions can be delivered via the endoscope without the need for further sedation, treatment or hospital stay. The mission of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy is to be the leader in advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence in gastrointestinal endoscopy.

• Canon U.S.A (Lake Success, New York) reported the introduction of the Canon CF-1 digital retinal camera. Featuring a redesigned optical system that achieves high resolution diagnostic images and offers outstanding operability, the CF-1 enables a 50-degree angle of view, providing detailed retinal images and is equipped with three imaging modes: color, fluorescein angiography and red-free. When attached to a Canon EOS 30D Digital SLR camera (sold separately), which provides up to 8.2 million pixels, the CF-1 is capable of delivering clear and detailed diagnostic images for immediate review. The CF-1 includes retinal imaging control software; which facilitates comprehensive study management and image capture control at the operator’s finger tips, in an intuitive graphical interface that is simple and straightforward to use. Canon U.S.A makes consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging products.