Put It on the Board, 4/17

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Siemens receives FDA premarket approval of HCV genotyping test

The Food and Drug Administration has granted premarket approval for the Versant HCV Genotype 2.0 Assay (LiPA) from Siemens Healthineers.

The assay identifies all six genotypes and subtypes 1a and 1b. In particular, the inclusion of the HCV Core region allows for accurate differentiation of subtypes 1a and 1b, as well as determination of genotype 6. A single-step RT-PCR kit that can be used on commonly available thermocyclers provides ease of use and increased laboratory efficiency, according to the company.
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Promega has compact CE

Promega has announced the development of a benchtop capillary electrophoresis instrument in collaboration with Hitachi High-Technologies. The Spectrum Compact CE System meets small batch and single sample needs in DNA analysis and performs sequencing and fragment analysis.

The Compact CE system makes it possible for laboratories of all sizes to carry out single nucleotide polymorphism, PCR sizing and microsatellite analysis, de novo sequencing, NGS validation, and mutation detection. The benchtop CE instrument runs up to 32 samples at once and features four-capillary, six-dye detection along with an integrated touchscreen for instrument operation.

“This opens new possibilities to scientists seeking high-quality DNA detection on a smaller scale,” says Doug Storts, Promega’s head of research–nucleic acid technologies. The system is expected to be commercially available in the second half of this year.
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Volunteers needed in Liberia

Pathologists Overseas and the American Society for Clinical Pathology are seeking board-certified MD cytologists and credentialed cytotechnologists for deployment to Liberia in West Africa to assist with clinical service, teaching, and training of the Liberian workforce in diagnostic pathology services.

Liberia is engaged in a workforce development program in all health sectors through a World-Bank–funded program led by Mt. Sinai Hospital of New York City. The program will bring volunteers across all health care specialties to Liberia for short- and long-term visits to train staff and provide clinical support. The goal is a self-sustaining health care workforce in Liberia. For pathology, the initial approach is through cytology using FNA to gather data on epidemiology of disease and provide diagnostics for treatment. The program is expected to evolve to include standard histology services within the first year.

Pathologists Overseas is recruiting in-country volunteers in parallel with ASCP, which is helping to build physical infrastructure, including anatomic pathology laboratories, telepathology services, and technical support. Pathology volunteers will be asked to visit for at least two weeks (four to six weeks preferred). Housing, local transportation, and licensing costs are covered; airfare is the volunteer’s expense (a 501(c)(3) letter for tax purposes can be provided).

If interested, please send email to emily@pathologistsoverseas.com.