Beckman Coulter introduces globulin assay

Beckman Coulter has devised and launched a new product – the Access sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) assay – which can be used for the differential diagnosis of conditions of chronic or excessive androgenic activity.

It can also be utilised alongside its Access Testosterone Assay to provide a calculated free androgen index.

The binding of sex hormones to SHBG hinders the function of sex hormones bound with high affinity to SHBG and low affinity-to-albumin levels, allowing for the better transportation of testosterone around the blood.

John Blackwood, vice-president and general manager of the Immunoassay Business Center at Beckman Coulter, commented: "With the addition of the Access SHBG assay, Beckman Coulter continues to lead the industry in reproductive disease state management by offering essential reproductive assays on one platform."

Last month, Beckman Coulter announced the creation of a new company that combines Agencourt Bioscience and Cogenics, the latter of which was acquired by the firm this year.