The FDA has approved Abbott Molecular’s genetic diagnostic, Vysis EGR1 FISH Probe Kit, to detect acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

The new in vitro test is the third of Abbott’s FISH assays to be cleared for oncology applications in the US in the past two months.

Stafford O'Kelly, Head of Abbott's Molecular Diagnostics Business said that the medical technology “can identify which AML patients have the chromosomal abnormality upon diagnosis and provides physicians with another clinically validated tool to assess a patient's overall prognosis”.

The Kit’s technology detects chromosomal deletion in the bone marrow, and can be used in addition to cytogenetics, other biomarkers, morphology and other clinical information, at the time of AML diagnosis to determine prognosis.

Each year, more than 12,000 people are diagnosed with AML, which is a rapidly progressive disease. Current standard procedure involves aggressive chemotherapy drugs, while some patients may require a stem-cell transplant to replace unhealthy bone marrow with leukaemia-free stem cells.  

Part of Abbott, Abbott Molecular is a leader in molecular diagnostics, analysing DNA and RNA at the molecular level. Abbott Molecular's tests aim for earlier detection or diagnosis, to provide information of appropriate treatment, and improve monitoring of disease progression.

Abbott is a global healthcare company, which discovers, develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs nearly 90,000 people and commercialises its products in more than 130 countries worldwide.

Oxford, a division of patient lift provider Joerns Healthcare, has launched an online Sling Selector to help healthcare professionals select the best sling option for patients.

The online tool takes account of patient specifics, the transfer task, the safe working load and the lift to be deployed.

The Oxford Sling Selector (pictured) was demonstrated at the National Back Exchange (NBE) Conference and Exhibition 2011 in Hinckley.

The tool comes with an on-screen guide to answer any queries that arise during the selection process. It provides detailed sling information and has an account history to track patient sling usage.

Tom Bulpitt, Marketing Manager for Joerns Healthcare, said: “Selecting the most appropriate sling is crucial since it ensures a safe, dignified and comfortable patient transfer while reducing the risks associated with manual handling.

“The Oxford Sling Selector will be of particular help to those clinicians less familiar with sling equipment such as junior or trainee occupational therapists, physiotherapists and back care advisors.”

During the NBE conference Joerns demonstrated the educational tool on its exhibition stand in the main hall and during an in-depth training workshop.

The Oxford Sling Selector is free to access by all professionals and can be located at its own dedicated website or via the Resources section on the main Joerns UK website.

Oxford is an established supplier of patient handling and rehabilitation products and a division of Joerns Healthcare, an international brand with offices in the UK, the US, Canada and the Netherlands.