- What is R&D Systems doing to reduce the use of packaging from non-renewable resources?
- Environmental stewardship is important to R&D Systems. R&D Systems is ISO 14001:2015 Certified and as such, sustainability practices and "green" options are continuously reviewed. Recently, package inserts were removed from each Luminex kit in efforts to reduce waste. A QR code is now included on CoAs to direct end users to the appropriate insert. For other packaging materials, end users are encouraged to implement a recycling program locally. R&D Systems has chosen to reduce the use of styrofoam as much as possible with a variety of changes: 1. extensive stability testing in order to determine which products can be shipped with minimal packaging at ambient temperatures; 2. transitioning from the use of non-recyclable packaging materials to recyclable plastics, cardboard, or biodegradable materials; 3. continuing to investigate alternatives to dry ice shipments; and 4. the use of re-usable containers and gel packs that allow for smaller styrofoam containers.
- When using MacCellect Cell Isolation kits (MAGM*** or MAGH***), why is it important to lyse red blood cells before starting the cell isolation protocol?
- It is important to remove red blood cells before the isolation protocol using MagCellect isolation kits because not doing so can cause a poorer yield of selected cells. Red blood cells become sticky during the incubation protocols and may interfere with the interactions needed for removal of unwanted populations.