Laboratory Informatics Webcast Series – The Digital Laboratory: What the Future Holds
Astrix Technology Group has been helping scientific organizations implement and integrate new informatics systems in the laboratory since 1995. Our experienced team of expert informatics consultants bring together technical, strategic, regulatory and content knowledge to provide the most effective solutions to problems faced by scientific organizations. Astrix partners with many of the industry leaders in this space and have brought them together for a one of kind webcast series that will delve into the future of lab informatics and technology. [Read More]
How Your LIMS Can Help You Deliver Top Notch Customer Service: Part 1
Customer service is a critical piece of the diagnostic testing process. In a complex industry where timely analysis and results are paramount, excellent customer service and effective communication can be competitive differentiators for your lab. This matters most with ordering and result report delivery, the two primary points of interaction your laboratory has with customers. You want healthcare providers to be able to order tests and view results easily and quickly - period. [Read More]
Laboratory Informatics Weekly Update – Volume 18, Issue 47
December 1, 2020 Laboratory Informatics Weekly Update Volume 18, Issue 47 In This Issue Featured Books COVID-19 Testing, Reporting, and Information Management in the Laboratory Featured Content 12/01/2020 - The Sunquest COVID-19 Essential SuiteQuickly stand up COVID-19 testing, including pooled testing, with an end-to-end laboratory solution that includes an ordering and results portal, driver-level instrument connectivity, and a molecular laboratory information management system. [LEARN MORE] 12/01/2020 - Starting a COVID Testing Lab: Is Now a Good Time? The answer to that question is easy, YES! Never mind the ongoing daily battles to limit the initial outbreak since March, it…Analysis of phenolic compounds in commercial Cannabis sativa L. inflorescences using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS
In this 2020 paper published in Molecules, Izzo et al. describe one of the first efforts to comprehensively analyze the polyphenol content of the inflorescences of Cannabis sativa L. Noting the rise of polyphenol-containing products due to polyphenols' reported health benefits, the researchers found a dearth of research analyzing them in the flowers of Cannabis sativa L. The authors describe their use of ultra high-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole–orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry, as well as other spectrophotometric methods, to identify and quantify the polyphenols from four major cultivars in Italy. Of note was the Selected Carmagnola (CS) cultivar, which reliably contained the highest amount of many of the discovered polyphenols. They conclude that their results highlight the need for further research into the inflorescences of Cannabis sativa L. cultivars for polyphenols "to estimate their efficacy for future applications for nutraceutical purposes."Drug Companies Cited Over Lack of Stability Testing
Warning letters and citations from the US FDA on the rise in the pharmaceutical industry. With approximately one in five warning letters in 2018 and 2019 mentioning 21 CFR Part 211 section 166 (Stability Testing) this part of the regulations also appears to be on the rise.
Stability testing has a key role in managing drug safety and efficacy. Learn how to create a defensible framework for stability testing in this article.
Laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19 in China: A review of challenging cases and analysis
What is the current state of laboratory testing methods for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19? This perspective paper from China (submitted for approval in September 2020), published in Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection, analyzes and describes the latest with how laboratories in China approach testing for the virus in the human population. Jing et al. first introduce background about the pandemic, as well as the etiological characteristics and genome organization of SARS-CoV-2. Then they dive into the common molecular methods used, including qRT-PCR, LAMP, CRISPR, genome sequencing, and nucleic acid mass spectrometry. The authors then analyze the various challenges with keeping such testing consistent, categorically addressing seven areas where false-negative results arise. They close with the benefits (and drawbacks) of supplemental serological testing, before concluding "more comprehensive analysis and/or further evaluation of different diagnostic methods" is still required to improve identification rates.
Experience a Patient’s Journey throughout the Enterprise
Integrated or standalone, Sunquest solutions extend throughout the laboratory, augmenting integration between or across systems and expanding your abilities with added connectivity, precision medicine, or laboratory and pathology depth. In a series of videos, let’s follow patient Bob through his care journey, and learn why Sunquest is the One delivering Labs to new heights – driving better patient outcomes and return on investment. [SEE BOB’S JOURNEY]
Setting Up and Managing COVID and Other Public Health Risk Testing in the Workplace
There is nothing people want more right now than a return to normal. By this time most of us have had enough of this surreal “new normal” where masked people tread carefully amongst each other, avoiding nearness, spraying down surfaces, using hand sanitizer, avoiding theaters, indoor restaurants, bars, and concerts, working from home and becoming far more familiar with Zoom than they ever...
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Lab Informatics Case Study: Informatics Roadmap for a Global Biotechnology Company
A global biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing treatments for people living with rare metabolic diseases maintained R&D facilities around the world and had plans to develop manufacturing facilities in the near future. The organization engaged in collaborations with Universities and worked with clinical research organizations (CROs) in the testing and analysis of samples. The company had been managing its scientific data with an ELN and a variety of paper/Excel based processes and recognized the need for a long-term R&D Informatics Strategy and Roadmap aligned with the needs of their R&D activities. [Read More]
Astrix Technology Group Podcast – The Digital Transformation of the Lab
Advances in the digital transformation of scientific labs are occurring so fast that it’s hard to keep up—as if COVID-19 hasn’t given labs enough to keep up with already. But when you consider how much these advances help researchers improve efficiencies, tap into higher-quality data and, ultimately, accelerate the launch of game-changing developments, it becomes clear that laboratories can’t afford to fall behind. [Read More]
