January 30, 2024
A Conversation with Kimberly Sesperez, Interpath Services' Sustainability Ambassador
In the fast-evolving landscape of the life science industry, sustainability has emerged as a crucial aspect not only for responsible business practices but also for the betterment of our planet. At the forefront of this movement is Interpath Services, a proud member of the Bunzl APAC family, where Kimberly Sesperez passionately serves as a Sustainability Ambassador.
In a recent interview, Kimberly shared insights into her role, personal goals, and the exciting changes she envisions for the sustainability landscape within the life science industry.
A Passionate Journey Begins
Kimberly embarked on her journey as a Sustainability Ambassador driven by a profound interest in supporting educational outreach on sustainability at Interpath Services. For her, being a Sustainability Ambassador is more than a role; it's an opportunity to inspire positive change within the life science industry. She sees it as a platform to spread the message of sustainability to customers and fellow staff members alike, fostering a culture of responsibility and mindfulness.
Personal Goals for a Sustainable Future
When asked about her personal goals in the realm of sustainability, Kimberly expressed a strong desire to educate and create awareness among colleagues and collaborators about the importance of sustainable practices in the life science industry. She aims to encourage the adoption of sustainable research practices, contributing to a more environmentally conscious and responsible community.
Excitement in Collaboration
Kimberly's excitement comes to the forefront when discussing working with customers on sustainability initiatives. She is particularly thrilled about assisting customers in incorporating sustainable research practices. Currently, the team is actively developing ideas to provide promotional and educational materials, further facilitating the integration of sustainable practices within their client base.
The Call for Transparency
In the quest for a more sustainable industry, Kimberly highlighted a notable concern - the lack of transparency in some companies regarding their sustainability practices. She emphasized the need for improved reporting and transparency, as it plays a crucial role in empowering stakeholders, including consumers and investors, to make informed choices.
Embracing Circular Economy Practices
What excites Kimberly the most about the changing sustainability landscape is the increasing adoption of circular economy practices within the life science industry. Companies are embracing the concept, focusing on designing products and processes that minimize waste and promote recycling. This shift represents a commitment to reducing the environmental impact over the entire product life cycle, marking a positive step towards a more sustainable future.
In conclusion, Kimberly Sesperez's journey as a Sustainability Ambassador at Interpath Services showcases the dedication and enthusiasm needed to drive positive change in the life science industry. With a focus on education, collaboration, and transparency, Kimberly and her team are not just embracing sustainability but actively shaping its future within their organization and beyond. As they continue to champion responsible practices, one can only anticipate the ripple effect their efforts will create in the broader landscape of sustainability within the life science sector.
If you would like to know More about this Area, Please Contact Kimberley.
January 30, 2024
As part of its product offering of essential life science and laboratory solutions, Interpath Services provides a range of heavy-duty plastic bags and sharps containers, giving a great second (and third) life to RIC # 1 polyethylene plastics. These products are identified by the Modius Loop.
Are you familiar with this recycling loop, with its three bent arrows forming a circle? That’s the Modius Loop, the universal symbol for cycling that first appeared in 1970 – initially to raise consumer awareness of recycled paper.
Fast forward to 1988 and another, very similar logo appeared – a triangle with the numbers 1 to 7 in the middle. You know that one too, I’m sure. This is the plastic resin identification code and it indicates the resin composition of the plastic. The number tells us what type of plastic the container is made from. It was first developed to help recyclers know which plastic a product or packaging was made from so they could determine its recyclability.
Confusing? Yes, it certainly is.
The similarity between the recycling symbol and the plastics identification symbols has made it hard for consumers to know what to put in which bin for a long time. Sometimes the plastic-type correlates with whether it's recyclable, but not always. Recyclability can also depend on other things like the shape of the container as well.
To make the process easier a new recyclability label was developed in 2018 for both Australia and New Zealand. The ARL (Australasian Recycling Label) is an on-pack labelling scheme that helps consumers understand how to recycle products correctly. Shown below, you can see the label makes it easier to understand which component goes into which bin.
More about the plastic identification codes.
Each number within the triangle represents a type of plastic, and different types of plastics are generally used in particular ways, as follows:
PET bottles can be recycled into new containers, pallet straps, panelling, carpet and clothing fibres, and fibrefill for soft furnishings and sleeping bags.
# 2 – this high-density polyethylene, or HDPE, is also easily recycled. You can find HDPE in shampoo bottles, butter tubs, shopping bags, bags inside cereal boxes, household cleaners and detergent bottles.
HDPE plastic can be recycled into timber, drainage pipes, pens, fencing, picnic tables, benches, and floor tiles, plus back into more bags and bottles.
Vinyl is rarely recycled. A tiny percentage of PVC is recycled into mats, speed bumps, cables, flooring, roadway gutters, mud flaps, panelling and decks.
# 4 – this plastic is low-density polyethylene or LDPE. It is commonly found in shopping bags, squeezable bottles, carpets, furniture, clothing, tote bags, dry cleaning bags, and frozen food or bread bags. And you know that bubble wrap you love to pop?
LDPE is rarely recycled, but when it is it is recycled back into similar types of products
PP is not often recycled. When it is it can be made into trays, pallets, bins, rakes, bicycle racks, landscape borders, auto battery cases, brushes, brooms, battery cables, and signal lights.
# 6 – is the plastic polystyrene (PS), which is also commonly referred to as Styrofoam. You can find PS in disposable cups and plates, carry-out containers, egg cartons, and meat trays.
Difficult to recycle as it’s lightweight so there’s not much material to reclaim. It can, however, be recycled into packaging and containers, as well as foam packing, light switch plates and insulation.
Now when you view our product range you know a little more about product symbols.
January 30, 2024
The original article was provided by Copan USA.
In the intricate realm of microbiological studies, the preservation and recovery of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) play a pivotal role, especially concerning skin and soft tissue infections. This exploration delves into the effectiveness of the Copan ESwab™ collection and transport system, generously provided by Copan Diagnostics Inc.
Methodology: A Scientific Symphony
To unravel the mysteries of NTM viability, the study orchestrated viability tests in triplicate, employing ESwabs and the roll plate method, meticulously adhering to CLSI M40-A2 guidelines. The ESwabs underwent duplication, with one set basking at room temperature (20°C to 25°C) and the counterpart chilling in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C), spanning intervals of 0, 24, and 48 hours before processing.
Five chosen mycobacterial isolates, including the formidable Mycobacterium abscessus, M. fortuitum, M. chelonae, M. marinum, and M. haemophilum, took center stage. Planted on Columbia blood agar plates, these microorganisms danced to the rhythm of incubation at 30°C in an oxygen-rich environment for 5 to 7 days. Post-incubation, they gracefully transformed into 0.5 McFarland suspensions, underwent serial dilutions, and embraced the ESwabs.
Immersed in the organism suspension and tucked into corresponding ESwab tubes, the swabs embarked on their journey for colony counts on Middlebrook 7H10 agar or blood agar plates.
Revelations: A Glimpse into NTM Viability
The spotlight unveiled a fascinating spectacle: all five organisms emerged with countable colonies at dilutions of 10^6, 10^5, and/or 10^4. The counts, approximately ranging from 300 to 500 CFU/mL at 24 and 48 hours, stood in stark comparison to the initial counts at 0 hours.
Conclusion: Copan ESwab™ - A Maestro of Mycobacterial Maintenance
The symphony of results harmonized into a resounding conclusion. The Copan ESwab collection and transport system exhibited its prowess, effectively maintaining and recovering NTM for an impressive 48 hours at both room and refrigeration temperatures.
Traditionally, routine swab collections might be deemed suboptimal for mycobacterial recovery. However, this study illuminated the high efficiency of ESwabs in the recovery of mycobacterial isolates, sparking curiosity for further investigation into the utility of ESwabs in clinically infected patients.
As the curtain falls on this scientific odyssey, the Copan ESwab™ emerges not just as a collection tool but as a maestro orchestrating the symphony of mycobacterial viability with precision and efficiency. The encore beckons, inviting researchers to delve deeper into the untapped potential of ESwabs in the quest for unraveling the secrets of NTM in clinically relevant scenarios.
[CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE ORIGINAL PDF]
Date July 3, 2019
Conference or Journal Sinai Health System
Author(s) Gandh Wood Mazzulli
Categories ESwab™
January 30, 2024
The original article was provided by Copan USA.
In the intricate landscape of medical diagnostics, unravelling the mysteries of gastrointestinal (GI) pathogens poses a significant challenge. The traditional methods, relying on unpreserved or Cary-Blair preserved stools, have been the norm. However, our diagnostic odyssey explores an alternative avenue – the Copan FecalSwab®.
The backdrop of our study is set against the canvas of the BD MAX™ Enteric Bacterial Panel and BD MAX™ Extended Enteric Bacterial Panel (BDM GIP) – sophisticated multiplex PCR tests capable of detecting up to eight different GI pathogens. Unlike the conventional approaches, the Copan FecalSwab® introduces a pragmatic alternative, utilizing Cary-Blair medium for specimen preservation.
Materials & Methods: Crafting Precision in Diagnostics
Our quest for efficiency led us to meticulously evaluate the FecalSwab® preserved stool specimens in tandem with BDM GIP. Negative stool samples, artfully inoculated with strains representing each BDM GIP target, took center stage. The performance was scrutinized on the BD MAX™ System, using varied input volumes (10 µl, 25 µl, and 50 µl) for FecalSwab® and the recommended volumes for Para-Pak.
Results: The Symphony of Diagnostic Precision
As the data unfolded, a pivotal revelation emerged – 50 µl of FecalSwab® stool-preserved samples stood out as the optimal volume for BDM GIP. The real-world applicability shone through as 93 out of 139 clinical samples displayed positivity for at least one BDM GIP target. A symphony of results unfolded, showcasing a remarkable 100% agreement between FecalSwab® and Para-Pak.
Discussion: A Paradigm Shift in Gastrointestinal Pathogen Detection
The traditional narrative of using Cary-Blair preserved stools is met with a transformative alternative – the Copan FecalSwab®. This study not only determines the ideal FecalSwab® volume but also positions it as an equivalent performer to the recommended Meridian Para-Pak® Cary-Blair medium for the BD MAX GI Panels.
Conclusion: The Echoes of Diagnostic Simplicity
In the complex realm of GI pathogen detection, the Copan FecalSwab® emerges as a beacon of simplicity and effectiveness. This user-friendly alternative to stool sample testing not only simplifies the diagnostic process but also underscores the importance of innovation in the realm of medical diagnostics. As we conclude our diagnostic odyssey, the Copan FecalSwab® stands tall, offering a pragmatic and effective solution in the ever-evolving landscape of medical diagnostics.
[CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE ORIGINAL PDF]
Date April 13, 2019
Conference or Journal Poster Presented at the 2019 ECCMID Meeting in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Author(s) Suzane Silbert Hanen Fernandez Rojas Carly Kubasek Alicia Gostnell Ray Widen
Categories FecalSwab®
June 22, 2023
In the world of science, one of the biggest challenges is transporting samples between different locations without damaging or altering their properties. The development of universal transport mediums (UTMs) has been a significant breakthrough in scientific research, especially in the fields of medicine and biology.
UTMs are chemical reagents that are used to preserve and transfer samples (commonly blood, urine, or tissue) from one lab to another, and ensure that they arrive at their destination in a stable and intact condition. They are particularly important in the field of medical and diagnostic research as they can help to prevent contamination, degradation or other changes that can affect the quality and reliability of the samples.
The main advantage of UTMs is their versatility, which means they can be used to preserve many different types of samples. Some of the most common UTMs used in scientific research include RNA and DNA stabilizing agents, preservatives for microbiology samples, and transport media for viruses and bacteria.
One of the most frequently used UTMs is the RNA and DNA stabilizing agent. This UTM is used to stabilize RNA and DNA in samples, even when they are exposed to extreme temperatures or other environmental stresses. This allows researchers to extract genetic material from the samples and perform analysis even hours or days after the samples were collected.
UTMs are also crucial in microbiology research. They help to preserve the viability of microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, and maintain their morphology, which allows researchers to accurately identify and culture them for study. Without effective UTMs, microorganisms would rapidly die or change in their physical and biochemical properties, making it difficult to conduct meaningful research.
UTMs are a critical tool in the fight against infectious diseases, as they allow samples to be transported and analysed in a safe and secure manner. In particular, they are widely used in the detection of emerging viruses, such as the Ebola virus and Zika virus, which require swift and accurate diagnosis.
Using quality UTMs will keep your samples preserved and transported in a manner that maintains their integrity, ensuring that you’re achieving accurate and reliable results.
Contact the Interpath Services team to learn more.
June 22, 2023
Centrifuge tubes are commonly used in scientific laboratories for the collection and separation of materials. Most commonly made from polypropylene, polycarbonate and glass, these tubes come in a variety of different sizes with different sizes to accommodate different volumes of samples.
Designed to withstand high speed and centrifugal force, centrifuge tubes are ideal for a wide range of applications across biological, chemical, and medical research fields. In biology, these tubes are used in experiments that require separating different components of a mixture such as blood cells or DNA. Medical laboratories will also often use them to analyze blood and other body fluids, while chemistry labs use them in the purification of chemicals.
Centrifuge tubes come in different sizes, often ranging from 0.2 mL to 50 mL. The smaller tubes are used for micro-centrifugation, while the larger tubes are used in equipment like floor-standing centrifuges. They are also available in various shapes from cylindrical and conical to even round-bottom tubes.
What are the different types of tubes?
One of the most common type of tubes are ones made from polypropylene, which will often be used in routine research applications as they are durable, resistant to breakage, and can withstand high centrifugal forces. Moreover, they are disposable and do not have to be cleaned after use, which makes them convenient for routine experiments.
Polycarbonate tubes are known for their greater transparency, heat resistance, and chemical compatibility, which make them ideal for use in procedures that require higher temperatures.
Glass centrifuge tubes are ideal for experiments that involve harsh chemicals or compounds. These tubes can hold up to chemical reactions and high temperature, making them suitable for use in high-pressure systems with centrifuges and ultracentrifuges. They are also washable and reusable, but they are fragile and can break easily.
When using centrifuge tubes, it is essential to handle them with the utmost care to avoid cracking or breaking. The tubes should be correctly labelled, and the exact volume of the sample loaded should be followed closely to ensure that the experiment obtains accurate results. The tubes should also be balanced correctly in the centrifuge to prevent them from breaking or unbalancing the machine.
Centrifuge tubes are an essential tool in scientific laboratories and are versatile and useful across various applications. When using them, proper care should be taken to avoid damage and ensure accurate results.
Contact the Interpath Services team to learn more.
June 22, 2023
Laboratory pipettes are important tools used to accurately measure and dispense liquids in the lab. However, the accuracy of a pipette is only as good as the quality and fit of the pipette tips used with it.
Pipette tips are small, disposable attachments designed to fit onto the end of a pipette. They come in various sizes and materials, often made of either plastic or glass, and are uniquely designed to fit specific pipette models and volumes. This specificity ensures that you get precise measurements when dispensing liquid into your samples.
How do you find the right pipette tip?
There are several important factors to consider when choosing pipette tips. Firstly, the fit of the pipette tip must be snug to prevent leakage or inaccuracy. Secondly, the tip should be compatible with the liquid being pipetted, meaning it should not react with the liquid or cause contamination. Thirdly, the tip must be free of debris or defects, as these can negatively impact the accuracy of measurements.
Modern pipette tips have evolved significantly over the years to meet the high demands of scientific research. Today, many pipette tips are made from advanced materials that minimize adhesion and reduce the risk of contamination. Some pipette tips are also designed to repel liquids, making them ideal for viscous or dense liquids. Furthermore, pipette tips with positive displacement technology have been developed for dispensing liquid samples with high accuracy and precision.
It is crucial to find the correct pipette tip for the job that you’re doing, as using the wrong tip can adversely and significantly affect your results. Using the wrong tip or reusing tips multiple times from different jobs can result in cross-contamination and inaccurate results – jeopardizing the validity of your experiments.
A laboratory essential, pipette tips are designed to ensure precise, accurate measurements and prevent contamination, which are crucial in scientific research. By choosing the right pipette tip for your specific needs, you can improve accuracy, save time, and ultimately increase the reliability of your results.
Contact the Interpath Services team to learn more.
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Interpath Services is part of Bunzl Australasia, as is Bunzl Australia & New Zealand, Atlas McNeil Healthcare, Bunzl Safety, Fire Rescue Safety Australia (FRSA), Harvey Distributors, Interpath Services, LSH Industrial Solutions Singapore, Medshop, Obex Medical. All are part of the Bunzl plc group of companies.