Contec Joins OEM Exhibitors for AACC Annual Meeting in L.A.

Welcome back to "Under the Hood: Tips, Trends and Resources for OEMs!" Its been a busy week for the UnØMktr (a.k.a. the UnKnown Marketer); trying to keep up with the Contec Business Development team who are holding down the fort (or the Contec Booth #459) at the AACC Clinical Lab Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center in California. This is the first time Contec has exhibited at this show and we wanted to share with all you Medical Device, Pharma, Bio & Life Science OEMs what a great experience it was.

My always energetic team tells me the halls were packed: with OEMs, Industry leaders and attendees. Just a few highlights of some of the exciting events and announcements:

• Siemens Launches Next Generation Automation Solution 'Aptio' at AACC 2012. "Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics (NYSE: SI) launched Aptio™ Automation(1), the company's next generation laboratory automation platform, at the 2012 AACC and ASCLS Annual Meetings and Clinical Lab Expo in Los Angeles, July 15 – 19 (Booth #1701). Aptio Automation promises to transform laboratory operations by combining Siemens' industry-leading workflow expertise with peak performance, adaptability and intelligent technology"
• Beckman Coulter has a great website built out that, if you did not get a chance to attend the Expo, has some fantastic resources (presentations, product offerings, etc.)
• Sysmex America Offers Preview of New Hematology Instrument at Clinical Lab Expo. "The Sysmex XN-Series hematology analyzers, which are currently awaiting 510(k) clearance from FDA, enable laboratories of all sizes to implement advanced clinical parameters, including an all-new fluorescent platelet channel for immature platelet fraction (IPF) to aid in the differential diagnosis of thrombocytopenia (low blood-platelet count). The scalable, series-wide, compact design delivers a smaller footprint that the Sysmex reps say optimizes workflow and productivity. The instruments are built on the concept of Silent Design, a "fusion of product design and technology" developed with the users and their workplace in mind. "An analyzer should be unobtrusive," said Tammy Kutz, manager, media and events."
• (Straight from the Horse's mouth - or AACC website; ) "OCD Unveils New Products and Services: Ortho Clinical Diagnostics’ booth focused on maximizing laboratory productivity by showcasing the company’s latest additions to menu and process solutions. The company featured demonstrations of what true integration by design can do for laboratories by introducing two new Vitros systems, as well as how more than 550 blood banks in the U.S. have automated using Ortho ProVue analyzers. OCD also launched a new initiative highlighting personal stories from Vitros customers. Highlighted services included OCD’s e-Connectivity Technology and Remote Monitoring Centers. During the in-booth presentations, speakers described several case studies and laboratory experiences aimed at supporting the value of their products and services. The case studies included an in-depth look at assays, the value of technical support services, and laboratory LEAN implementations."
• Helena Laboratories was in the house with their SPIFE® 4000 ("SPIFE® 4000 completely automates IFE and protein electrophoresis –just load sample tubes and supplies, edit the worklist, and press start. That’s all that’s needed. New assays and gel sizes are in development. The new V8 Automated Capillary Electrophoresis system has it all with 8 capillaries, on-board reagents, random access, smart sample handling, automated maintenance, and a throughput of 90 samples/hour (premarket approval pending April ’12).)"
• Abbott Focuses on the Importance of Information Management and Automation at the American Association for Clinical Chemistry Lab Expo. "Abbott will feature new solutions to improve data management and automation at this year’s American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) annual meeting, July 15-19, in Los Angeles, Calif. Solutions to further enhance efficiency and workflow in today’s laboratories will be the focal point of the Abbott exhibit."
• Gen-Probe could be found at the expo in booth # 2615. "As a global leader in molecular diagnostics for infectious disease, transplant diagnostics, oncology and blood screening, Gen-Probe has been at the forefront of the development, manufacture and marketing of rapid, accurate and cost-effective nucleic acid tests (NATs) and fully automated instruments to run these tests."