Its new Multiskan FC microplate photometer is one such piece of equipment, designed for scientists, lab technicians, and other laboratory personnel and suitable for a wide variety of routine and basic lab research applications.
The photometer is capable of processing both 96 and 384-well microplates and comes ready to deal with a range of photometric applications, such as end point, dual wavelength and kinetic assays.
The new system carries on from the established Multiskan range, now including a new large colour screen, "quick keys" and language options to ensure improved usability.
The Multiskan FC has a range of built-in and optional quality, verification and self-diagnostic tools. Its optical design, together with the built-in self-diagnostics tools and auto-calibration feature, guarantee proven day-to-day performance.
The installation, operation and performance qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) tool, enhanced with a special Multiskan Verification Plate, are available to verify reliable operation, said Thermo.
These features ensure the Multiskan FC conforms to regulatory requirements such as RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and IVD directive (98/79/EC), making it ideal for routine and research laboratories.
Next-generation Finnpipettes
Thermo Fisher Scientific also took the opportunity to show off its new product expansions, adding two new models to its Finnpipette product family.
The new F-Series claims improved accuracy and new levels of pipetting precision for both routine use and research and pharma-biotechnology laboratories. Both F1 and F2 series products include variable and fixed volume single-channel models covering 0.2 µl to 10 ml for assured versatility.
In addition, multi-channel models are available for both series and include 8-, 12- and 16-channel pipettes covering 1-300 µl, for greater flexibility.
The Finnpipette F1 Series incorporates ergonomic features to reduce the occurrence of repetitive strain injury (RSI) symptoms. The soft handle contours to the shape of the user's hand, and the 120 degree horizontally adjustable wide-supportive finger rest allows users to relax their hands between pipetting actions.
Each colour-coded pipette also offers a soft-touch mechanism to lower tip-ejection forces. This feature is beneficial when ejecting tips from the multi-channel pipette. In addition, a triple-action pipetting hat prevents accidental volume alteration.
Furthermore, the Finnpipette F1 Series features an antimicrobial plastic polymer grade, which offers protection against the growth of microbes and prevents sample contamination from the pipette.
The Finnpipette F2 Series is a general laboratory pipette for all routine applications. Each colour-coded pipette in the F2 Series allows the user to find an easy match to corresponding Finntips, and it can be autoclaved to prevent contamination between samples.
To prevent RSI symptoms, each pipette offers an ultralight smooth pipetting action, says Thermo. The advanced volume-gearing mechanism allows volume precision to two decimal places, and the double-action pipetting hat prevents any accidental volume alterations.
The new Finnpipette F-Series is compatible with Fintip Flex pipette tips, which are available as standard and sterilised racked tips as well as refill kits.
Nanolitre dispensing pipette tips
And finally, the company launched a new line of pipette tips that enable nanolitre volume dispensing on current laboratory automated systems. These new Pocketips enable transfers of 50-500 nL molecular compounds suspended in Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) directly to assay plates, "saving time, reagent and labware," according to Thermo.
PocketTips are made from polypropylene that eliminates adherence and maximizes the recovery of all fluids. Through aspiration, the capillary pocket fills with the specified amount of compound solution and facilitates soft in-tip mixing of sample and assay material.
By removing timely intermediate dilution steps, this innovative pipetting method makes it possible to perform assays quicker, reduces reagent costs by conserving valuable compounds and prevents compound precipitation for more accurate and precise results, said the firm.
Thermo is targeting the new range at secondary compound screening applications, such as selectivity assays (P450), potency determinations (IC50), cell- and enzyme-based assays and PCR primer dilutions.
