Latest Blog Posts
COVID-19 Sample Collection and Transport Resources
Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, we have received many inquiries about which types of swabs, media, and kits can be used for COVID-19 sample collection before testing. Below we have a short guide on which COPAN products meet the CDC and FDA Guidelines. All testing for COVID-19 should be conducted in consultation with a healthcare provider.
Read MoreFecalSwab® : Frequently Asked Questions
FecalSwab® combines a COPAN-invented flocked swab with 2mL of Cary-Blair medium in a plastic, screw cap tube. Simplify and standardize fecal sample collection, transport and processing, converting semi-solid fecal matter into liquid specimens.
Read MoreExperts Weigh in On the Evolving Age of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Diagnostics
A new article in Clinical Microbiology Newsletter reviews the current role of emergent Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies in microbiology diagnostic testing. The authors of the article examined the increasingly prevalent use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our day-to-day lives and explored the role of AI in digital image analysis of parasitology samples, gram stains, and bacterial culture. The article also reviews the state of AI technologies in fields of MALDI-TOF mass spectral data analysis and genome sequencing.
Read MoreFirst-in-Class Study Validates Alternate Transport Media and Broader Storage Conditions for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Testing on RT-PCR Platforms
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is a communicable illness caused by a newly identified coronavirus with the number of clinical cases currently on the rise globally. Since the first reported case in December 2019, greater than 3.2 million cases have been reported worldwide…
Read MoreFecalSwab®, An Excellent Alternative When Utilizing BD MAX™ Enteric Bacterial Panel and the Extended Enteric Bacterial Panel, Study Finds
A new study published in Diagnostic Microbiology & Infectious Disease examines the use of low volume COPAN FecalSwab® specimens on the BD MAX™ molecular platform. The objective of the study is to determine the ideal volume of the flocked swab-based FecalSwab® medium equivalent to the BD MAX™ recommended bulk stool device Meridian Para-Pak Cary-Blair medium.
Read MoreCOPAN Celebrates International Women’s Day & the Women at COPAN
March is a beautiful time of year that brings with it the promise of warmer sunny days and fun outdoor activities. March is also a very special time of year because it is designated “National Women’s History Month,” a time…
Read MoreDo My Microbes Love You? How Your Bacteria Affect Your Love Life
In November, we explored how our microbes have a tremendous influence on our nutrition, immunity, and overall well-being (Click to read the article in case you missed it). In honor of Valentine’s Day, we take a more in-depth look into…
Read MoreBest Practices for Sample Collection for Respiratory Specimens, Including Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
With the current rise in flu cases and possible spread of emerging respiratory viruses, like the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), laboratories and healthcare providers can expect another very busy flu season. The 2019-2020 flu season is on track to be one…
Read MoreNorman Sharples Receives Achievement Sculpture for 25 Years as CEO of COPAN Diagnostics, Inc.
During COPAN Diagnostics’ 25th Anniversary celebration, Norman was presented an achievement sculpture to commemorate his 25 years of service at COPAN. It consisted of an elegant and contemporary Eagle Sculpture from gifted wildlife California artist Kitty Cantrell. The name of…
Read MoreDoes ESwab™ Maintain Viability of Pathogenic Mycobacteria and Fungi?
Although there is little disagreement that body fluids, tissues and aspirates are the preferred materials to collect for the culture of specimens for fungus and mycobacteria, the use of ESwab™ has been shown to maintain the viability of these organisms and to release most of the sample into the media allowing for suitable culture material.
Read MoreProviders, Trainers, and Defenders: The Hidden Role of Your Microbes to be Thankful For
Halloween has come and gone, shifting our attention to Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is traditionally a time to celebrate together with friends and family and to reflect on the relationships we are grateful for in our lives. Yet few people recognize some…
Read MoreThe Spooky Microbe Monsters Among Us
It’s nearly Halloween, a time to celebrate by donning costumes, carving pumpkins, and watching horror films. The Fall Season is a perfect time to gather around a warm fire and tell spooky stories about our favorite monsters. Although monsters like…
Read MoreCan CAP Proficiency Testing (PT) Samples be Adequately Processed with Laboratory Automation? A Proof of Concept Study…
As part of the study, remnant CAP PT samples were tested to determine a procedure for processing the unknowns on the WASP®DT. The unknown samples were processed manually following the instructions provided by CAP. The results were used as a control to compare four different methods for processing the unknown samples on the WASP®DT.
Read MoreHologic’s Panther Fusion MRSA Assay Lists ESwab™ as Approved Sample Collection Device
Hologic’s Panther Fusion MRSA Assay Lists ESwab™ as Approved Sample Collection Device
Read MoreFDA Cleared UriSponge™ for More Convenient Urine Collection, Preservation, and Transport
FDA Cleared UriSponge™ for More Convenient Urine Collection, Preservation, and Transport
Read MorePreparing for the 2018 – 2019 Influenza Season
Preparing for the 2018 – 2019 Influenza Season
Read MoreLiquid Based Microbiology is the Key to Optimal Automation Utilization
Laboratories can optimize their automation utilization with COPAN LBM products
Read MoreDr. Flora Returns to Demonstrate the PhenoMATRIX™ Software!
Dr. Flora Returns to Demonstrate the PhenoMATRIX™ Software
Read MoreRecent Study Shows WASPLab® and VITEK®MS Together to Facilitate Positive Blood Culture Identification in Approximately 4 Hours
Recent Study Shows WASPLab® and VITEK®MS Together to Facilitate Positive Blood Culture Identification in Approximately 4 Hours
Read MoreOrange You Glad WASPLab®’s PhenoMATRIX™ Can Detect and Interpret GAS Colonies on Novel CHROMagar’s Colorex Strep A Agar?
Orange You Glad WASPLab®’s PhenoMATRIX™ Can Detect and Interpret GAS Colonies on Novel CHROMagar’s Colorex Strep A Agar?
Read MoreCOPAN FecalSwab for Infection Control Surveillance of ESBL, CRE and C. difficile
COPAN FecalSwab can be used for Infection Control Surveillance of ESBL, CRE and C. difficile
Read MoreDr. Flora and Zip Journey Through PhenoMATRIX™
Automation comes alive in this exciting new video starring Zip and Dr. Flora, about COPAN’s PhenoMATRIX Algorithm Suite which automates reading of some traditional bacterial cultures.
Read MoreSCACM, Microbiology and Full Laboratory Automation- Do You Have the Answers You Need
COPAN will be hosting a workshop during the annual SCACM meeting and PhenoMATRIX™, can differentiate positive and negative urine cultures
Read MoreCandida auris, An Emerging Superbug Fungus Quickly on the Rise?
Candida auris is a new superbug fungus on the rise.
Read MoreCan Bacteria be Stored in Freezing Temperatures Using ESwab™?
ESwab with 20 Percent Glycerol tested well for the long term storage of frozen bacteria
Read More