ITHACA, N.Y. — Rheonix Inc., a developer of fully automated molecular testing solutions, will showcase its research-use-only Encompass Optimum™ workstation at ASM Microbe 2016 on June 16-20 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston, Massachusetts. The workstation performs fully automated, complex molecular assays in an easy-to-use and economical format, addressing workflow and staffing obstacles that research laboratories are facing today.

The Encompass Optimum workstation, when integrated with a Rheonix Chemistry and Reagent Device cartridge, or Rheonix CARD® cartridge, is designed for building and implementing molecular assays with automated workflow. It can dramatically decrease the complexities of creating user-defined testing while increasing efficiency and accuracy. This technology delivers:

• Automation – several biological samples can run concurrently through a fully integrated molecular analysis with no user intervention due to automatic manipulation of the network of microfluidic pumps moving fluids through the cartridge’s channels
• Ease of Use – users can create their own sample-to-answer fully automated, complex molecular assays where only the simple step of loading samples and the consumable cartridge is performed by hand; all sample manipulation and assay steps are performed by the workstation
• Cost Savings – automated technology allows multiple samples to run simultaneously in a shortened timeframe; assay steps are performed within the fully enclosed cartridge while interfaced with the workstation, eliminating contamination, reducing user error and streamlining workflow; increased staff efficiencies result in a lower total cost of ownership for laboratories
• Versatility – users have the flexibility to configure and control all aspects of assay performance with a broad range of sample types; modular architecture allows for rapid development of analytical solutions for the complete spectrum of user needs

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of laboratory technologists and technicians is projected to grow 16 percent by 2024. However, research from The American Society for Clinical Pathology shows that laboratories are faced with many staffing challenges, including hiring difficulties, an aging workforce with staff nearing retirement, and the closure of many training programs that prepared the next generation of qualified professionals.

“Research laboratories are being tasked to do more with less, and it’s important that we find new ways to increase efficiencies to help alleviate these staffing and resource limitations,” said Steve Pemberton, vice president of sales and marketing at Rheonix. “The automated Encompass Optimum workstation simplifies the analytical process, which helps make day-to-day tasks easier for lab technicians and lowers the total cost of ownership for laboratories.”

In addition to the research-use-only capabilities of the Encompass Optimum, Rheonix has successfully completed development and testing of a microfluidic system and assay to simultaneously detect host anti-HIV antibodies and viral RNA in a single specimen of saliva or blood. This development was completed under a National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) grant in collaboration with Dr. Daniel Malamud of New York University College of Dentistry (NYUCD). The company’s findings are outlined in the research article, “A Rapid, Self-confirming Assay for HIV: Simultaneous Detection of Anti-HIV Antibodies and Viral RNA,” in the Journal of AIDS & Clinical Research. This assay is not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for diagnostic use. Rheonix also recently received additional NIDCR funding to collaborate with Dr. Malamud’s lab in the development of a rapid Zika virus diagnostic.

Integrating the American Society for Microbiology’s (ASM) two premier events, General Meeting and ICAAC (Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy), the all-new ASM Microbe 2016 provides a one-of-a-kind forum to explore the complete spectrum of microbiology from basic science to translation and application. The event is the largest gathering of microbiologists in the world, and will draw more than 10,000 attendees and exhibitors, and feature more than 250 sessions and 3,500 posters.

Attendees are invited to stop by booth 835 to meet the Rheonix team and learn more about how its microfluidic molecular analytical solutions can be used to improve efficiencies in research laboratories.

For more information on Rheonix, visit www.rheonix.com.

About Rheonix:
Through experienced leadership and creative vision, Rheonix has developed the Encompass Optimum™ workstation, a highly customizable technology with unmatched versatility and affordability for use in research laboratories. The workstation performs fully automated, complex molecular assays in an easy-to-use and economical format on the Rheonix CARD® cartridge. With both the Rheonix CARD cartridge and Encompass Optimum workstation family of products, Rheonix is well positioned to penetrate key molecular testing market sectors. For more information, visit www.rheonix.com.

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