Pre-mixed, Optimized Set of Markers Provides Standardization, Consistency and Simplicity

BREA, Calif. — Beckman Coulter, Inc. introduces Solastra, a comprehensive CE-marked panel of conjugated-antibody cocktails for the characterization of hematolymphoid neoplasia by flow cytometry. The pre-mixed and ready-to-use panels target the appropriate markers as recommended by the 2006 Bethesda International Consensus and are compatible with the WHO Classification of Tumors of Hæmatopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues (2008 revised).

The panels allow for the identification and enumeration of a comprehensive combination of markers and offer full regulatory compliance.* They can be used as an aid in the investigation of patients with abnormal hematology in order to provide data critical in the diagnosis, staging and prognosis of hematolymphoid neoplasia. Twenty-three markers are combined in seven tubes — two tubes in the B-cell lineage kit, two tubes in the T-cell lineage kit, and three tubes in the myelomonocytic lineage kit — each tube containing up to five relevant antibodies. Kits can be run individually or jointly and the preparation procedure is designed to offer standardization, consistency and simplicity.

The Solastra panels will streamline testing in the laboratory. Joanne Luider, (BSC ART MLT, Calgary Laboratory Services, Alberta, Canada) calculates the number of pipetting steps is reduced by up to 55 percent versus home-brew with single-color reagents. “The pre-mixed formulation minimizes preparation time, which for a busy lab like ours, saves over half a day a week on cocktail preparation,” said Luider. “In addition, being ready-to-use reduces the probability of pipetting errors.”

Patients will benefit from the highly sensitive and accurate testing the kits provide. “The launch of our Solastra antibody cocktails for hematolymphoid neoplasia analysis represents a significant step forward in simplification and standardization in this field,” said Brad Calvin, vice president of Beckman Coulter’s Flow Cytometry Business Center. “By following international consensus, developing pre-mixed cocktails and validating them in multi-site trials, we have reduced the burden and improved the reliability for performing these tests.”

In addition to CD45, which is included in all seven tubes, the markers represented in the B-cell lineage kit are CD5, CD10, CD19, CD20, CD38, Kappa and Lambda. Tubes in the T-cell lineage kit offer CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD7, CD8 and CD56. The myelomonocytic lineage kit tubes contain CD7, CD11b, CD13, CD14, CD15, CD16, CD33, CD34, CD56, CD117 and HLA-DR. Each antibody is conjugated to one of five dyes: FITC, PE, ECD (PE-Texas Red**), PC5.5 (PE-Cyanine 5.5) and PC7 (PE-Cyanine 7). Proprietary tandem dye technology allows Beckman Coulter to produce conjugates that are stable, bright and consistent from lot-to-lot.

About Beckman Coulter

Beckman Coulter, Inc., based in Orange County, California, develops, manufactures and markets products that simplify, automate and innovate complex biomedical tests. More than 200,000 Beckman Coulter systems operate in laboratories around the world, supplying critical information for improving patient health and reducing the cost of care. Recurring revenue, consisting of consumable supplies (including reagent test kits), service and operating-type lease payments, represent about 80 percent of the company’s 2009 revenue of $3.3 billion. For more information, visit http://www.beckmancoulter.com/.

*Per the requirements of the European In Vitro Diagnostics Directive (98/79/EC). Not available in the U.S., pending submission and clearance by the U.S. FDA.

**Texas-Red is a trademark of Molecular Probes, Inc.

Beckman Coulter and the stylized logo are registered trademarks of Beckman Coulter, Inc.