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Bio/Data Corporation Adds Extra Features to 8-Channel Platelet Aggregation Profiler(R); Instrument to Be Showcased at Hematology Confab

Posted on: Thursday, 1 December 2005, 12:00 CST

Bio/Data Corporation ("Bio/Data"), Horsham-based ISO-registered manufacturer, seller and distributor of hematological medical laboratory products, announced it will showcase its Platelet Aggregation Profiler(R) ("PAP-8E") - with three added features - during the American Society of Hematologists ("ASH") annual meeting in December.

The three features - Prism(R) software, an ultraviolet LED light source and a built-in "control" database - enhance the instrument's underlying mission: to integrate aggregometer operation into a standard laboratory environment.

Bio/Data's PAP-8E is an impressive-looking laboratory instrument utilized for testing platelet function. Test results provide a vital pathway enabling medical professionals to diagnose various stages of hemostasis disorders, including hemophilia, von Willebrand Disease and Glanzmann's disease, or to monitor the use of antiplatelet drugs like Plavix(R) and aspirin. Other Bio/Data products consist of reagents and disposables to augment the variety of platelet testing.

According to Bio/Data Quality Assurance Manager Rodney W. Scarpelli, "Aggregation, whether testing is conducted for a clinical lab or for research, is never thought of as being routine. However, the PAP-8E starts to evolve platelet aggregation into a routine, easy-to-do procedure.

"We incorporated features that not only are associated with platelet aggregation but with good laboratory practice," he noted.

That's important, since a lab professional's day doesn't begin by simply testing. Typical daily routine begins with instrumentation checkout and setup.

"You can't just walk in and start a test," Scarpelli pointed out. "You have to record the entire setup of the lab and make sure that your instruments and your materials are ready, and everything is working fine. Then you have to go through a control - or calibration - run to ensure your instruments are working correctly."

The limited window of time for actual testing of platelets creates a demand for streamlined instrument operation. "Currently, each individual laboratory performing platelet aggregation has its own protocols, which may be different from other laboratories," Scarpelli said. "With the PAP-8E, what's done in one laboratory can be more easily standardized in another laboratory.

"This way, everyone using the PAP-8E and our reagents actually run the same test under the same conditions," he added.

Other improvements unique to Bio/Data's PAP-8E - besides its eight channels for aggregation instead of four - include lower sample volumes, a narrower instrument footprint (14 inches), lighter weight, touch-screen monitor, built-in audible timers, electronic pipettor with memory and a bar code scanner.

Eugene J. Messa, president and chief executive officer of the 36-year-old Philadelphia-area privately owned company, said, "We look forward to showcasing our PAP-8E to the world's hematologists. We'll show them how to take advantage of our 'trade-in, trade-up' program."

The "trade-in, trade-up" promotion allows medical laboratories a trade-in value up to $4,000 on the purchase of a Bio/Data PAP-8E in exchange for an older model aggregometer.

Nearly 20,000 clinicians, scientists and other professionals are expected to attend the four-day meeting in Atlanta that runs from Friday evening, December 9, and ends December 12. ASH's state-of-the-art exposition features exhibits from pharmaceutical companies, medical suppliers, clinical diagnostic and research-based companies.

Bio/Data's exhibit will be located at Booth #2925.

Source: Business Wire

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