Distribution Agreement to Improve Automated Hemostasis Diagnostics

A new, exclusive-distributer agreement will lead to creating a unique high-performance hemostatis work cell by connecting a laboratory automation system (LAS) from Thermo Fisher Scientific (Waltham, MA, USA) with a hemostasis testing LAS from Instrumentation Laboratory (IL; Bedford, MA, USA).

The agreement between IL and Thermo Fisher appoints IL as the exclusive worldwide distributor for the Thermo Scientific TCAutomation LAS in the field of hemostasis. IL will offer state-of-the-art "Hemostasis Lab Automation Work Cell" solutions, comprised of their ACL TOP 700/750 LASs integrated with the TCAutomation LAS. Hemostasis labs considering automation can now rely on leading hemostasis expertise of IL coupled with leading automation expertise of Thermo Fisher, to provide them with tailored LAS solutions for standardization and work-load management.

"Hospitals all over the world are being asked to do more with less. The IL-Thermo Fisher Hemostasis Work Cell is an ideal solution for laboratories who seek to increase the efficiency of their operations, while enhancing the quality of their hemostasis laboratory test results," said Ramon Benet, CEO, IL, "The excellent performance of our ACL TOP 700/750 LAS testing systems, which are ideally suited for lab automation integration, will be further enhanced through the Thermo Fisher TCAutomation LAS."

In 2012, the companies signed an agreement allowing IL to distribute TCAutomation. IL then successfully implemented their ACL TOP 700 systems on TCAutomation in several key customer sites. Now, their partnership is further strengthened: "This new agreement marks an important expansion in our partnership with IL," said Marc Tremblay, president, Clinical Diagnostics, Thermo Fisher, "We are excited to combine our fully featured TCAutomation solution with ACL TOP 700/750 LAS systems to create a complete and optimized automation offering in the field of hemostasis."

Designed to provide more efficient, cost-effective workflow through modularity, flexibility, and connectivity, TCAutomation offers solutions for automating the most labor-intensive pre- and post-analytical tasks, with an open concept that supports direct interfaces to a wide range of analyzers. Interfacing ACL TOP 700/750 with TCAutomation, and automating the key pre- and post-analytical steps (such as decapping, centrifugation, aliquoting, sorting, storing and recapping), introduces a compact automation Work Cell solution. TCAutomation can be easily expanded with additional modules to help meet future needs and requirements to increase efficiency, productivity, and safety.

The ACL TOP line delivers efficiency, flexibility, and superior performance. For routine to specialty testing in mid- to high-volume labs, each system in this standardized platform provides the same quality results, comprehensive HemosIL reagent line, powerful intuitive software, and features. IL’s Hemostasis Portfolio includes the “ACL TOP Family” of automated, high-productivity analyzers (models: 700/700 CTS/700 LAS; 500 CTS; and 300 CTS) and now the new “ACL TOP Family 50 Series” offering advanced automation and quality management features (models: 750/750 CTS/750 LAS; 550 CTS; and 350 CTS).

The ACL TOP Family 50 Series represents a breakthrough in hemostasis testing. Recently introduced in Western Europe and Japan, this line offers assay-specific pre-analytical sample checks, advanced lab accreditation support, and advanced quality management. Commercialization will continue in a phased global process through 2016, based on regulatory registrations and other considerations.

IL also offers other hemostasis analyzers (ACL AcuStar, ACL ELITE, and others). In addition to its hemostasis line, IL offers critical care systems and information management systems.

Related Links:
Instrumentation Laboratory
Thermo Fisher Scientific