• Enigma Diagnostics (Porton Down, UK) reported the launch of its upgraded version of Enigma FL at the 11th International CBRN DefenSe Symposium in Shrivenham, UK. Enigma FL is a fully automated, real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction detection) system designed for in-field testing applications by veterinarians, first responders and military personnel. It combines the speed and sensitivity of real-time PCR with the simplicity needed for field-based tests. The new FL instrument incorporates solid state, multiplexing optics and dye deconvolution algorithms and is launched with freeze dried assays provided by Applied Biosystems. The assay panel will include tests for infectious diseases in livestock such as avian influenza and tests for biothreat agents such as anthrax.

• Gene Security Network (Redwood City, California) reported the introduction of the All Chromosome Aneuploidy Screening test, powered by Parental Support bioinformatics. This is the first commercially available test to leverage bioinformatics to inform in vitro fertilization (IVF) transfer decisions by identifying potential abnormalities across all 24 chromosomes (aneuploidy) from a single embryonic cell. Using Parental Support technology, a single embryonic cell can be tested for a variety of molecular and cytogenetic diseases, including Down syndrome as well as multiple genetic disorders such as muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, and hereditary breast cancer. Parental Support technology uses genetic information from both the mother and the father – obtained via a simple cheek swab – as well as data from the Human Genome Project, to create an accurate reconstruction of the genome that can be used to provide highly accurate test results. This new method is far more accurate than existing methods which use technologies designed for large tissue samples – not for a single cell.

• InterCure (New York) reported the U.S. release of its next-generation hypertension treatment device, RESPeRATE Ultra. The RESPeRATE Ultra was designed with input from thousands of RESPeRATE users. It features a large, enhanced display, fewer buttons and a simple menu; the unit was crafted to not only provide the same blood pressure reduction results as its predecessor, but also provide an enhanced, pleasurable device-guided breathing experience. The RESPeRATE Ultra also includes an interactive tutorial that guides the user to quickly learn to use the device to most effectively lower his or her blood pressure.

• Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (LabCorp; Burlington, North Carolina) said it has introduced the MGMT gene methylation assay using methylation-specific PCR technology licensed from OncoMethylome Sciences. Methylation of the MGMT gene promoter has been shown to be a common event in brain cancers and predictive of response to some therapies. "DNA methylation is a key gene regulation mechanism in cancer. Lab tests to determine methylation status of specific genes in various cancers are important and differentiating additions to our menu of oncology services," said Andrew Conrad, chief scientist and global head of clinical trials for LabCorp. "The addition of this test to our menu of oncology services continues our leadership in personalized medicine and gives oncologists a new tool to help guide patient care."

• Merge Healthcare (Milwaukee) reported the release of MergeCOM-3 Version 3.9, which adds the latest DICOM standard supplements to its industry-leading DICOM toolkit. Medical imaging software developers depend on MergeCOM-3 to jump start product innovation by providing much of the code needed to incorporate the DICOM standard. This standard is the basic "language" by which all medical imaging devices and systems communicate, and it is constantly improving to match the clinical needs of the industry. Version 3.9 contains support for important new standard supplements for nuclear medicine (supplement 117), pathology (supplement 122) and ophthalmology (supplement 130), supporting the broader adoption of DICOM into new imaging areas.

• A simple and inexpensive developmental diagnostic assay produced by MicroPhage (Longmont, Colorado) was shown to be highly accurate for rapid detection of serious staph bacteria infections and for simultaneous assessment of antibiotic susceptibility. MicroPhage scientists reported that their novel platform to simultaneously identify Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections and determine antibiotic resistance or susceptibility can provide highly accurate results in just five hours. The current standard of care is 48 to 72 hours for the same determinations. Infections caused by S. aureus account for 400,000 deaths a year and the methicillin-resistant strains, known as MRSA, now account for nearly half of all S. aureus infections. Current test methods are too slow to allow doctors to make prompt treatment decisions. As a result, many antibiotics are over or under prescribed. This leads to proliferation of drug-resistant strains and suboptimal treatment of infected patients.

• Naviscan (San Diego) received FDA clearance for its biopsy-guidance feature designed exclusively for use with its high-resolution organ-specific PET scanner. The scanner's breast application is positron emission mammography (PEM). Stereo Navigator, the PEM-guided biopsy accessory, is indicated for the localization of lesions in female breasts, as identified on a PET image. This guidance system will now enable physicians to guide compatible interventional devices towards abnormalities visible on PET. The accessory uses a stereotactic frame fixed between the scanner's paddles to guide the insertion of a compatible interventional device into the breast. Accurate targeting is possible due to the high-resolution 3-D tomographic images acquired. Localization of the abnormality is verified using a PET-visible line source that is inserted into the needle track allowing the user to confirm trajectory and position.