By Tamsin Glenwright, Molecular Biology Technical Sales Specialist
At VH Bio, we’ve built a solid reputation with our successful portfolio of products for Microbial and Fungal Identification. Now, we’re thrilled to announce the expansion of our product lines to include a comprehensive Virology Portfolio!
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more laboratories than ever are exploring molecular techniques for virus detection. This has introduced a host of new considerations, but VH Bio is here to support your lab with innovative solutions:
PrimeStore MTM: Safe and Efficient Sample Transport
PrimeStore MTM is a cutting-edge transport medium designed for the safe collection and transportation of potentially pathogenic samples across various applications. These include:
- Clinical Diagnostics: Suitable for downstream Point of Care Testing (POCT) and high-throughput automation platforms.
- Biobanking: Reliable sample storage solutions.
- Animal Research and Diagnostics: Supporting veterinary studies and diagnostics.
- Environmental and Food Samples: Ensuring safe and effective handling of diverse sample types.
PrimeStore MTM inactivates microbes within the sample while preserving crucial DNA/RNA for downstream processing. This ensures that scientific staff can handle samples safely outside of laboratory containment environments and eliminates the need for cold chain storage or transportation.
We are able to supply Primestore MTM in a manner of formats, including tube size and fill volume, to suits a variety of clinical needs and for use with manual or automated platforms allowing it to be used across different types of labs.
Scientist safety
During the COVID-19 pandemic many labs relied on Primestore MTM as their sole collection and storage media of potentially pathogenic samples. A paper published by the UKHSA (formerly PHE) found it to be one of the only commercially available storage medias to accurately claim complete inactivation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus with just a 10 minute contact time of sample/buffer (no residual viral load detectable). This allowed for many virology labs to streamline their protocols, reducing hands on time within containment 3 environments and eliminating the needs for staff to manually introduce an inactivating agent into samples pre-analysis.
GENELEAD Platforms: Automated Solutions for qPCR Assays
In partnership with Precision System Science (PSS), we present the new GENELEAD range of fully automated platforms for qPCR assays. These platforms provide Sample-To-Result solutions using proprietary Magtration© technology for virus detection.
With varying throughput options (8 samples with the geneLEAD VIII and 24 samples with the brand-new geneLEAD XXIV), these platforms cater to different laboratory needs. They support user-defined PCR assays or a range of ready-to-use CE-IVD certified panels (in collaboration with SMD GmbH) for viral and bacterial detection making it an ideal platform for use across many microbiology/virology departments.
Some available panels include:
- Respira Screen 1: (Multiplex detection of Influenza A and B, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV A and B.)
- MRSA: (Detection of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
- MTB/NTM/MAC: (Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, non-tuberculosis Mycobacterium, and Mycobacterium avium complex.)
- STI 1: (Multiplex detection of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Mycoplasma genitalium.)
- Gastroplex: (Multiplex detection of Norovirus (Genogroup I & II), Adenovirus, and Rotavirus.)
- Monkeypox: Reliable detection of the Monkeypox virus.
- C. Diff: Clostridium difficile detection.
User Friendly
The fully lyophilised PCR reagents available in our portfolio offer a truly walk-away sample-to-result system. These reagents simplify storage and transportation compared to traditional PCR assays, making your workflow more efficient and reducing demand for longer hands-on time of lab staff.
Flexibility
The platforms are able to process different sample types across one single processing run and with the same reagents. The users are also able to select protocols for total genomic Nucleic acid (or total RNA) extraction only, Extraction and PCR or PCR only; allowing for the user to be completely in control of how best to use the platforms. The 6-colour fluorescence detection channels and options of open software protocol programming, allows users to programme and develop their own PCR protocols (LDTs) as well as utilising the wide variety already on offer.
Explore the Future of Virology with VH Bio
With our new Virology Portfolio, VH Bio continues to lead the way in innovative solutions for virus detection and pathogenic sample handling. Explore our products and see how we can support your laboratory’s needs with cutting-edge technology and reliable solutions.
For more information and to explore our complete range of products, browse through our website or contact us today!