Your questions about FORCYTE™ answered...
Who is Oxford Science, Inc?
Oxford Science Inc is based in Conneticut, US. The principal operating executives have over 70 years experience between them in this market and have been involved in the advancement of the technology and design of analyzer machines since the sixties. Oxford Science manufactures the FORCYTE™ analyser to the highest standard from their factory in Oxford, Connecticut. They also produce the VET-SET™ reagent fluid system to exacting and controlled standards. Oxford Science is currently testing their innovative chemistry machine, FORCHEM™ which will be launched in 2008.
What is Laser and Impedance Technology?
Laser is the "state-of-the-art" for measuring cellular complexity. Impedance is the "gold standard" for counting and sizing cells (using electrolyte, positive and negatives) Both technologies combined give you the best of these technologies and increase the accuracy, reliability and repeatability of your readings.
Why does FORCYTE™ need no maintenance?
FORCYTE™ has been designed for reliability. This electro-optical flow cytometer performs five sequential counts for white blood count, red blood count and platelets. The positive-displacement pumps inject the sample and after each count, reverse-flush the aperture and in the process virtually eliminate any potential for clogs and clots. The system is ready to analyse a sample 24 hours a day, no start-ups, shutdowns or weekly maintenance.
The system uses ‘smart’ software that rinses each sample, automatically enzymatic-cleans and tracks every sample run so that you know exactly how many tests are left in a reagent kit. There is no routine calibration or quality control material that needs to be run on this system. FORCYTE™ performs an internal check every hour and debubbler every 12 hours.
I currently have a Hematology Analyzer or am considering other manufacturer’s equipment
There are some critical limitations with many existing in-house equipment; high price per test, limited quality control capabilities, technique dependent operation, no Complete 5-Part WBC Differential with NRBC, no Retics and limited testing of key data.
Is it really as quick as you say?
Yes: This fully automated system will provide a quick two-minute cycle time and move your patients in and out of appointments faster. Less time is spent testing, which means more time with your patient and client. After you have taken the sample (and remember you only need 20uL for FORCYTE™, much less than comparable machines), simply insert the sample, press the run key, and wait 2 minutes for the print-out or for your results to automatically appear in the visit or patient record in RxWorks.
When would you do a complete Hematology Profile
Monitoring disease progress and the assurance of improvement or determining the need to change treatment; the perceived illness from the owner and determining the presence of disease and/or assuring the concerned pet owner; pre-Anesthesia for unsuspected anemias and low platelets; pre-Treatment for heartworm and chemotherapy, health Monitoring and aged pet screening and breed abnormalities.
Will I still need to use a Reference Laboratory
Several reference laboratories in the US use the FORCYTE™ as a backup machine such is its reputation at the top-end of the market.
Because of the speed and cost-effectiveness of this machine you will end up screening more patients which will result in more specialised testing through the reference laboratory.
14 reasons to purchase Forcyte
Principal features of Forcyte