• Acacia Research (Newport Beach, California) reported that its CombiMatrix group's subsidiary, CombiMatrix Molecular Diagnostics (CMDX), completed clinical validation of the first of its HemeScan suite of BAC (Bacterial Artificial Chromosome) array CGH- (Comparative Genomic Hybridization) based tests designed to detect prognostic markers in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). They are now available through both routine clinical sample processing as well as through CMDX's Technical Only Program for reference laboratories. The company said that the array is the industry's first clinically validated cancer diagnostic based on BAC array CGH. The CombiMatrix group is developing a technology to rapidly produce customizable arrays, which are semiconductor-based tools for use in identifying and determining the roles of genes, gene mutations and proteins. Acacia Research comprises two operating groups, Acacia Technologies and CombiMatrix.

• Bausch & Lomb (B&L; Rochester, New York) reported that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services granted New Technology Intraocular Lens (NTIOL) designation to the SofPort Advanced Optics and SofPort Advanced Optics with Violet Shield Technology IOLs for their spherical aberration reducing design. The NTIOL designation became effective March 6. NTIOL designation means the Medicare reimbursement to ambulatory surgery centers for cataract surgery will increase by $50 when surgery is performed with either a SofPort AO or SofPort AO with Violet Shield Technology IOL. The NTIOL subset and adjusted payment for these two IOLs will remain in effect until Feb. 26, 2011.

• The BioMedical Systems Group of Environmental Tectonics (Southhampton, Pennsylvania) reported the development of a software training program used to simulate the operation of its BARA-MED and BARA-MED XD hyperbaric chambers. The simulation is virtually identical to BARA-PRESS, the Windows-based computer system that controls the chambers, and can be run from any personal computer or laptop, the company said. The only difference between running BARA- PRESS as a simulation as compared to actual chamber operations is the method of interface. The simulation interface is through keyboard/mouse while actual chamber operations are managed through a touch-screen interface on the chassis.

• Home Diagnostics (Fort Lauderdale, Florida), a maker of diabetes testing supplies, reported the launch of the TRUEread blood glucose monitoring system. TRUEread was designed to be reliable and easy-to-use and was created specifically to meet the needs of Medicare and Medicaid patients, the company said. TRUEread will be available through Home Diagnostics' domestic distribution and mail service channels beginning in mid-March. TRUEread's advanced biosensor and chip coding technology generates accurate results in 10 seconds from a single microliter of blood, the company said. Its data management features include a 200-test memory capacity, Internet data uploading capabilities to track results, and a large, easy-to-read display.

• ThermoGenesis (Rancho Cordova, California) reported that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has granted notice of allowance of claims for the first two patents for the AutoXpress system and has granted an additional patent that extends coverage on the CryoSeal system. The two patents, both titled "Blood Component Separation Method and Apparatus," protect the key device claims that enable this semi-automated method of isolating and capturing cell populations from cord blood, peripheral blood and bone marrow in a sterile, functionally closed system during centrifugation. ThermoGenesis makes technologies for cord blood stem cell therapy and surgical wound care.