Ensure safer transportation of biological
samples with new Sterilin 95kPa compliant containers

For 50 years Sterilin has set world standards for quality, reliability and user safety. They are leading the way forward again, with the introduction of 95kPa validated containers for the safe and reliable transportation of biological samples.

With more and more biological samples being transported through normal mailing systems, using different forms of transportation, the containers used to transport these samples are subject to increasingly tighter transport regulations. The requirements can vary depending on the mode of transport and the classification of samples (see www. iata.org). These regulations for the transportation of potentially hazardous substances are designed to ensure that samples reach their destination in good condition and do not present any hazard to those handling the package along the way.

Safer storage and transportation of samples has been central to the development of Sterilin single use containers. Sterilin was the first company to offer 'flow seal' technology for leak free medical sample containers and our product QC involves routine leak testing to ensure that the containers adhere to the required standards (EN 14254 Medical Specimen Containers for Microbiology Annex D).

Sterilin now also offer a range of 95kPa complaint containers to comply with the internal pressure differential test requirements of the Department for Transport (DfT), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

What is 95kPa?
When transporting potentially infectious samples through the post, it is important to take every precaution to prevent exposure to the contents. Therefore, the packaging must comply with transport regulations, such as those recommended by the IATA*. These require the primary or secondary packaging to withstand an internal differential pressure of 95kPa without leakage.

A pressure of 95kPa is 0.95 bar (1 bar being equivalent to atmospheric pressure at sea level). An increase of a further 95kPa within a container is therefore equivalent to almost twice atmospheric pressure - about the same as that used in a pressure cooker.

Leading the way in 95kPa conformance for sample containers
Sterilin 95kPa compliant containers are tested and certified to withstand an internal pressure differential of 95kPa without leaking, which means that they comply with transportation requirements and allow the safe transportation of biologicals through the post without risk of spillage or leakage.

The 95kPa compliant product range includes Sterilin 30ml polystyrene universals (128A, 128B and 128C) and Sterilin 60ml polystyrene containers with metal caps (125AM, 125BM and 125CM). Each of these is available with printed, plain or no labels, depending on customer needs.

*See 1.1.6 of the ICAO Technical Instructions (IATA 5.0.2.9).

For further information, view website: www.sterilin.co.uk  or e-mail: sian.hayman@sterilin.co.uk   Refer to page 304

Sherwood Scientific commits to 'Update and
Automate' concept for all model 410 Flame Photometers

Operators of all model 410 Flame Photometers can now retrofit a digital interface/lineariser module and benefit from the new 410 BlueNotes software package, illustrating Sherwood Scientific's 'update and automate' policy for instruments up to twenty years old. The latest Industrial and Clinical 410s come with the new module already fitted.

With an extensive worldwide installed base and continuing strong demand, the model 410 Flame Photometer is a valued instrument in many industries, university teaching laboratories, as well as clinical labs, particularly in Africa. As the need for traceability continues to increase, rather than ceasing manufacture and withdrawing support for older instruments, Sherwood Scientific developed a digital interface/lineariser module which slots neatly into the front panel. This, together with the new 410 BlueNotes software, effectively transforms even an early example of model 410 into a fully automated unit.

According to Jon Copsey, Sherwood Scientific's Marketing Manager, 'The Model 410 Flame Photometer - little changed since its development by Corning 28 years ago - has an enviable reputation for ease of use, excellent reliability and, most importantly, high quality results. Our policy of "Update and Automate" means that customers can now future-proof both new and old 410s, adding the latest features such as date and time-stamped results and control of a model 860 autosampler.'

Designed for intuitive use, the digital interface/lineariser module and 410 BlueNotes software complement perfectly the original design and performance concept of the 410. The new module's output can be sent to a serial printer or PC and the software package adds value by enabling traceability of results, data storage, calibration, result calculation, automatic correction for instrument drift, report production and many other functions.

For further information, e-mail: info@sherwood-scientific.com 

Thermo Fisher Scientific introduces
iPhone App to simplify GC column selection

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, today announced the release of a free GC Column Selector app for iPhone. The new app helps GC chromatographers select the ideal Thermo Scientific GC column for either existing or regulated methods based on their current configuration. It provides a quick cross-reference for Thermo Scientific TRACE columns to GC columns from other manufacturers. Customers can simply insert their existing column part number or select a current column from the supplied list and the intuitive app recommends the best TRACE GC Column for each application.

The Thermo Scientific GC Column Selector iPhone app puts details about a wide array of phases offered in the Thermo Scientific TraceGOLD GC column range at chromatographers' fingertips. Furthermore, the convenient application enables point-of-use column selection and the added functionality of contact information for sales or technical enquiries.
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To download the free Thermo Scientific GC Column Selector app for iPhone or receive further information, view website: www.thermoscientific.com/tracegold  Refer to page 291

AAC provides a variety of vibration
isolators for medical applications

Advanced Antivibration Components (AAC) offers functional vibration isolators for the Medical Industry including silicone gel pads, sheets, and silicone gel as well as wire rope isolators for larger applications. Applications include medical equipment such as flow cytometers, blood analyzers, life science cameras, sensitive electronic scales, handheld devices, carts, motors and pumps. Our silicone gel products are very effective in isolating vibration in low frequency applications with loads ranging from 0.11 to 165 lbs per mount.

At AAC we provide products exclusively related to the elimination of vibration, energy absorption and protection of components and devices from shock and possible destruction. AAC stocks a wide range of shock & vibration isolation products which include: stud & nut type mounts, base plate fastened mounts, wheels, leveling & foot mounts, suspension mounts, spring, steel mesh & cable mounts, bumpers, channel mounts, bushings & grommets, pads & tapes, and couplings. These products are stocked in different materials including: rubber, neoprene, urethane, Sorbothane®, stainless steel mesh and springs. Many are suitable for use in extreme environmental conditions. Of special interest is a complete selection of Silicone Gel floor mounts, pads, sheets, plus paste-type thermal gel.

Detailed specifications are contained in Catalog V110, available free upon request from Advanced Antivibration Components (AAC), 2101 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY 11042-5416. Phone: 516-328-3662, Fax: 516-326-3365, Website: http://www.vibrationmounts.com/press/Medical1.htm

Easy access to chromatography expertise from Thermo Fisher Scientific

The web based Thermo Scientific Chromatography Resource Centre (CRC), provides application and method development information to help guide you through any HPLC and GC separation and sample preparation challenge. With a library of 6000 application notes, a comprehensive technical bibliography, access to informative video animations and demonstrations, the CRC provides an invaluable reference guide for the chromatographer. Furthermore, you can easily download five of the most recent application notes produced using Thermo Scientific Accucore HPLC columns.

Benefit from the technical expertise and experience of Thermo Fisher Scientific by visiting the CRC and using the HPLC method development calculator, provided to smooth the transition between columns and techniques.  In addition, the GC column selector tool, Thermo Scientific HyperSep SPE Applications Notebook and the online Thermo Scientific Chromatography Columns and Consumables catalogue, provide you with all the resources necessary to optimize your chromatography applications. For access to experience from expert chromatographers at Thermo Fisher Scientific, view website: www.thermoscientific.com/crc  Refer to page 291

Analytik, link up with German company, GL Optic for the supply of
spectroradiometers for use in both quality control and research applications

Analytik, leading suppliers of innovative analytical instrumentation to the UK and Ireland, have linked up with German company, GL Optic, for the supply of spectroradiometers for use in both quality control and research applications for the growing lighting marketplace.

GL Optic Mini-Spectrometer is a practical and reliable handheld device specifically designed for the measurement and characterisation of light sources - especially LEDs - providing accurate spectral information and colour coordinates conforming to CIE standards.

Dedicated software automatically calculates critical parameters such as colour temperature and colour rendering index, whilst different accessories are available for specialised measurements; including luminous flux of LEDs using the 48mm Integrating Sphere, and luminance of flat screen LCD displays using the Display Sensor optical probe.

The Mini-Spectrometer is small in size with low energy consumption delivering high sensitivity and precise calibration performance based on a particularly low noise floor. Powered and operational when connected to a PC via a USB port, it is ready to start measuring within only ten minutes of switching on.

GL Optic has designed a product to face the challenges of the modern lighting industry and demanding LED market. This handheld spectrometer can be used for everyday incoming quality control of light sources, field work of quality engineers and other professionals who deal in the quality of light. The Mini-Spectrometer is the measuring device of choice for the final assessment of lamps as well as for testing complete lighting installations.

Talking about the addition of GL Optics' products to Analytik's range of innovative scientific solutions for industry and research, founder and Managing Director, Ian Laidlaw, says "The UK lighting technology market is growing rapidly and we see an excellent fit for the products from GL Optic. It will broaden our market reach based on 8 years' experience working in spectroscopy and allied measurement techniques."

To learn more about the Mini-Spectrometer and other products from GL Optic, view website: www.analytik.co.uk  Refer to page 336