Molecular Diagnostics System Proven to be Easy to Learn and Operate

Beckman Coulter recently commissioned independent system performance trials of the new DxN VERIS Molecular Diagnostics System and results show that the system is easy to operate with technicians fully operational on the system following just 20 minutes training.

Following a trial undertaken at Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, UK, Duncan Whittaker, Laboratory Manager Virology, stated: “Training staff to use the DxN VERIS is very quick and straightforward, taking just 20 minutes.  Furthermore, as there is less hands-on intervention required, the laboratory could achieve more without any increase in staff.  With an annual cost improvement package to meet, anything that helps to increase productivity is a bonus.

“In terms of addressing increasing workloads, the reduced manual intervention required for DxN VERIS allows more work to be performed per member of staff.  The more efficient workflow would free staff to perform other tasks, which would allow the laboratory to develop new services and further increase the department’s test repertoire.  This, and improved turnaround times, would help our laboratory to remain competitive in an increasingly competitive environment.

“The ease of use of the DxN VERIS would help to address staffing issues, as routine operation could be performed by medical laboratory assistants, allowing biomedical scientists to be redeployed more effectively in more skilled areas,” Whittaker concluded. 

The DxN VERIS Molecular Diagnostics System consolidates DNA extraction, amplification and detection within a single automated instrument.  By reducing manual intervention, and automating the steps from sample loading to reporting of results, this system has the potential to revolutionise laboratory workflows and reduce time to results.  There is no lengthy set-up – all consumables/reagents are refrigerated on-board: HBV, HCV, HIV-1 and CMV viral load assays are currently available; these will be followed by assays for STDs/women’s health and Hospital Acquired Infections.

For further information about the DxN VERIS Molecular Diagnostics System and a copy of the full Sheffield case study that was published in Pathology in Practice, Volume 16, Issue 3, August 2015, please visit

www.beckmancoulter.com/moleculardiagnostics.