FAQ

Yes. The emulsion can be stored for up to 4 weeks, depending on the peptide’s stability. Please note that you should NOT keep it in the emulsion tube itself. You should transfer all of the emulsion into the injection syringes, and then store the syringes at 4 °C.

The stability of the emulsion has been tested with the MOG 35-55 peptide, and was shown to remain stable up to 6 weeks. For any other peptide/protein, we recommend you to test its specific stability in the emulsion for the duration that you need.

We recommend the use of Braun’s Injekt-F 1 mL syringes. Other 1 mL syringes may be used, at risk of increasing potential leaks and the waste of reagents by augmenting the dead volume at the back of the syringe.

No. The efficiency of the emulsion was tested using MOG 35-55. The results were comparable between emulsions prepared on the same day, 3 weeks before and 15 weeks before immunization. Read more about it in our Application Note.

To avoid this type of risk, please make sure to attach the needle to the syringe BEFORE pushing in the emulsion.

Yes. Several customers have validated the use of rat type II collagen and bovine type II collagen in their experiments. The recommended protocol is: Keeping all of your reagents on ice: the tube, the antigen, Freund’s adjuvant and buffers, etc.  Add the reagents to the tube, and shake it for 60 sec. After shaking, put the tube back on ice for 3 minutes and shake it again.  Transfer it to syringes and place them on ice.  Then immunize.

The receptacle is made of medical grade Polypropylene. The plunger is high-density Polyethylene. The lid is made of Polypropylene. Finally, the air permeable membrane is composed of ultra-high molecular weight Polyethylene.

When creating smaller amounts of emulsion (< 4 ml), it can appear as a “runny” emulsion. This can also occur with some antigens (especially some peptides), even when large amounts have been prepared. Importantly, it does not influence the results in any of the disease models we have tested (EAE and CIA).

Please check that the receptacle has not been filled up to the top with adjuvant and antigen. If the receptacle is filled up, it will result in NO mixing and an emulsion will not be generated.

The minimum amount that we recommend to prepare is 2 ml. Prepare a starting volume of 2.4 ml. Preparing 2 ml to 4 ml generates an emulsion that appears less viscous.  Nonetheless, it still generates a perfect immune response and induces disease in EAE and CIA models.

The maximum final volume of emulsion that can be prepared is 7 ml (7 x 1ml Injekt-F syringes). Prepare a starting volume of 8.05 ml. The receptacle holds slightly more, but cannot be completely filled up, or else a perfect emulsion will not be generated.

With Precellys Emulsion kit very little expensive material is lost during preparation in comparison to other methods. The receptacle and Braun’s Injekt-F 1ml syringe have small dead-volumes. Prepare 20% extra emulsion to obtain a final volume of 2 ml up to 4 ml.  Prepare 15% extra emulsion to obtain a final volume of 4ml up to 7ml emulsion.  For example, to generate 2 x 1ml syringes of emulsion, prepare a starting volume of 2.4 ml.  To generate 7 x 1ml syringes of emulsion, prepare a starting volume of 8.05 ml.  It is important to note that, if syringes other than Braun’s Injekt-F 1ml syringe are used, the more emulsion needs to be prepared and must be determined for each type of syringe.

Yes. Both methods generate similar results. However, Precellys Emulsion kit has a number of advantages over other methods.  Read more about it in our Application note.

Any animal experiment where Freund’s or any other oil-based adjuvant is used. For example:

1. Antigen-specific proliferation (in vivo or ex vivo)
2. Autoimmune models (EAE, CIA, EAU, MG, etc.)
3. Cancer immunotherapy with proteins/peptides
4. DTH experiments
5. Generation of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies

On the Precellys, the tubes are locked thanks to the ” blocking plate “. You just have to place the tubes in the blocking plate, after which the machine automatically locks the tubes in place.

The Sample Preparation range is composed of three devices:
The Minilys, compatible with 0.5, 2 and 7 mL tubes with the addition of an adapter.
The Precellys 24, compatible with tubes from 0.5 to 7mL, with the addition of an adapter.
The Precellys Evolution, which is compatible with tube volumes ranging from 0.5 mL to 15 mL, and 96-well Plate, thanks to specific racks for each volume.

We have tested different types of tubes but, in order to avoid any damage, we advise you to use our products. In order to optimize the efficiency of the homogenization, we have selected the tubes that are able to resist the mechanical constraints linked to the power of our instruments.

The use of the device in a cold room could lead to the premature degradation of some of its components due to humidity levels. (Operable range between 15 and 85 % relative humidity).

Placing the device in a cold room will not cool your samples. However, if you wish to homogenize samples by keeping them at low temperature you can use our Cryolys cooling system.

Contact the Bertin Technologies maintenance department: maintenance-life@bertin.fr

Since the precession movement is not circular (rotational), it is not necessary to balance the tubes on the Precellys before its use.

The lysing matrices proposed by Bertin allow to cover almost all possible sample types, and have been optimized to obtain the best possible yield. Nevertheless, if you have a specific project, do not hesitate to contact us to find the best solution to your needs.

The choice of the lysing kit depends on the type and the size of the sample to be homogenized.
Learn more >>

The lysing kit is composed of tubes of different volumes, ranging from 0.5mL to 15mL, as well as a 96-well Plate format. These tubes are filled with beads of different materials (ceramic, metal, glass) and of variable size, which constitutes the lysis matrix. We offer a wide range of combinations of tubes and lysing matrices.

Yes, it is possible to extract RNA/DNA from a virus with the Precellys range. We have some publications in our application center. In case of specific questions, you can also contact our application specialist

In order to decontaminate your Precellys we recommend using a paper towel soaked in bleach at 6°Cl. If another decontamination procedure is to be used, please contact the technical support service beforehand to ensure that the procedure is compatible with the equipment.

The use of the Coriolis Compact is simple and intuitive, which makes it possible to use our device without having to follow any particular training

We recommend to place the Coriolis µ at about 1 meter from the ground

To recover the bioaerosols collected in the cone it is necessary to resuspend the captured particles into a collection buffer (e.g. PBS, DMEM or culture media).

The samples collected by the Coriolis Compact are suitable for a wide range of downstream applications (PCR, cell culture, spectroscopy etc.)

The cones proposed by Bertin are the only cones that can be used with the Coriolis Compact

We recommend an annual calibration as well as cleaning the device after each sampling.

There is no particular procedure for maintaining the lithium-ion battery included in the device. It gives it an autonomy of 8 hours

For the Coriolis Compact, the collection cones are for single use only.

The outer casing of the device can be cleaned with standard disinfectants. The Coriolis Compact is designed to resist H2O2 vapors: it can therefore be easily decontaminated.

The cyclonic technology allows the particles collected in the air to be captured in a cone. The particles are therefore not subjected to shocks that could cause their degradation.

The Coriolis compact is an efficient device, its 50L/min flow rate allows it to collect viruses without damaging their capsids during sampling.

The identification is not done during sampling. The identification of bioaerosols will require complementary analyses.

It is possible to use the Coriolis Compact indoors and outdoors. Its small size and its dry collection quality make it very effective outdoors.

The Coriolis Compact can collect bioaerosols from 0.5 to 20 µm, such as viruses (Sars-Cov-2 and bacteriophages) bacteria, and fungi, among others.

We offer batches of 10 non-sterile cones as consumables.

We recommend an annual calibration, as well as cleaning the device after every sampling.

The use of the Coriolis µ is simple and intuitive, which means that you can use our device without having to follow any particular training.

We recommend to place the Coriolis µ at about 1 meter from the ground

The LTM platform is there to automatically refill the cone. This is how we limit the impact of evaporation. Although evaporation does occur, filling the cone keeps the collection buffer at the same level throughout the sampling.

The spare parts (suction tube and air inlet) are autoclavable parts and must be cleaned or decontaminated after each sampling. The outer casing of the device can be cleaned with conventional disinfectants. The Coriolis µ is designed to be resistant to H2O2 vapors: it can therefore be easily decontaminated.

The battery provided is a NiMH technology battery. To keep the battery in optimal operating condition, please charge the battery for 4 hours:

• after each use, even if it is not completely discharge
• every 2 months, even if the Coriolis® µ has not be used

Contact the Bertin Technologies maintenance department: maintenance-life@bertin.fr

Yes, the samples collected by the Coriolis µ are ready for a wide range of downstream applications (PCR, cell culture, spectroscopy etc.)

Yes, the collection cones are reusable. They can be autoclaved if they do not show any visible signs of deterioration. In the case of visible deterioration, it is advisable to replace the cone.

The cyclonic technology captures the bioaerosols that are present in the air and retains them in a cone containing collection buffer. The particles are therefore not subjected to shocks that could cause their degradation. The Collection Buffer is compatible with various downstream analyses, including cell culture.

During sampling, airborne particles are caught in the collection buffer. We recommend you to follow the safety instructions given by your laboratory depending on the bioaerosols collected.

We recommend a minimum collection time of 30 minutes for virus collection. Our Coriolis µ can collect at times ranging from 1 hour on battery, up to 6 hours with its “long time monitoring” device.

Our collection buffer is compatible with culture and virus collection. However, to improve the efficiency of virus collection, you can use PBS or DMEM. For culture, if you are working with “difficult” bacteria, you can use culture media during sampling (Tuberculosis).

It is possible to collect viral particles, as shown in some studies presented in our resource center. The recommended speed is less than 200 L/min in order not to damage the capsid. Please check out our protocols and expert advice on the topic >>

The identification of bioaerosols is not done during sampling. The Coriolis µ will collect all of the bioaerosols between 0.5 and 20 µm. Their identification will require complementary analyses.

We offer consumables such as sterile or non-sterile cones, collection buffers, as well as a device allowing long term sampling, a ducted air inlet

There is no way to install DataEXPERT 08.xx on a Windows Operating System higher than Windows 7 – which means in this case no way to install it on Windows 8.1

The radio broadcast range of the supervisor terminal is 150 m. The Saphydose Gamma i RT teledosimeter range is 70m. The RT-ZB90 router range is 300m.

The combination of these 3 devices ensure full coverage and good signal quality.

The router autonomy (90 days) allows for a continuous monitoring beyond the emergency or intervention phase.

Only a few minutes are necessary to deploy the SkyDose system by distributing the routers which will automatically parameterize their communications network. In this way, the supervisor terminal is easily and quickly ready to access the dosimeters (till 8) data.

The benefits of implementing Saphymo teledosimetry will:

• bring your activity and practices into compliance with most of the new security guidelines.
• provide a safer work environment.
• significantly reduce radiation exposure to your teams
• result in more “readable” information about your exposure.

The response time is less than 1 second above 3.6 mSv/h and less than 40 seconds at 100 μSv/h.

The measurement range for dose equivalent rate is 0.5 μSv/h to 5 Sv/h. The dose-response linearity function of the dose rate is less than ± 20 % between 0.5 μSv/h and 2 Sv/h and less than ± 25 % between 2 Sv/h and 5 Sv/h.

The Saphydose Gamma-i is reliable, easy-use and robust thanks to by its aluminum box.

When used with two batteries, the Saphydose Gamma-I lasts up to 8000 hours in use.

The DG5 is a high sensitive gamma survey meter.

We invite you to consult your local regulation. (e.g. In France, each device has to be yearly controlled and get a calibration certificate each 3 years).

We recommend calibrating your devices through your local Bertin distributor or directly through Bertin or its subsidiaries. In all cases, the most important element to ensure is that the company is compliant with the ISO 17025 standard and ergo accredited to carry out the calibration (e.g. accredited by the Cofrac organization in France)

The PAB-2 low background counter was designed to measure precisely alpha and beta contamination from a surface in high gamma background.

The BAB Aerosol Beacon has 96 hours of graphic memory and a nonvolatile memory of 21 days with a one-minute storage interval.

The Aerosol Beacon BAB is equipped with several output connectors:
– relay outputs for local and remote display unit
– 3 analog outputs 4 – 20 mA
– 2 x RS 485 to JBUS Modbus protocol
– Ethernet connection

The BAB Aerosol Beacon is suitable for:
– Monitoring low particle concentrations in a high gamma context.
– Workplace monitoring, as a fixed or mobile unit.
– Air monitoring of the ventilation duct.
– Evacuation of the air monitoring.
– The BAB Aerosol Beacon is also part of the ERMS product range.

The detector of the BAB Aerosol Beacon is a large double-diode silicone detector, 2 x 360 mm². The flow rate of the pump is 8 m³/h.
Its energy range is:
– for α radiation: 2 to 10 MeV
– for β radiation: 80 keV at 2 MeV, artificial adjustable αI

Its measurement range is:
– for α radiation: 10-3 to 5.104 Bq / m³
– for β radiation: 10-2 to 5.104 Bq / m³

The PAB-2 has a double sealed Ar-CO2 detector equipped with a Ø 51 mm diameter window. The device is sensitive to α and β radiation and has lead shielding.
Below, the background noise in normal environment (100 nSv/h):
– Background noise for α: 0.002 c/s
– Background noise for β: 0.3 c/s
Efficiency:
– α (Pu 239)> 0.2 c/s/a/s/2p
– β (Co 60)> 0.14 c/s/Bq

Yes, the PAB-2 low background counter allows you to measure α and β contamination from a surface. The smear test, with a diameter of 51 mm, and the filters are controlled and sorted according to the radiological thresholds and preset uncertainty. When no sample is placed, the gamma background is measured. The measuring time is then automatically adjusted according to this background value and with respect to the detection limit.

The SaphyRAD E is a portable multiprobe contamination monitor designed for the control of alpha & beta radioactive contamination. The BCP 31 and BCP 100 probes help the user monitor beta contamination (31 cm² and 100 cm², respectively). The ABCB100 probe is used for the control and discrimination of alpha and beta contamination. SaphyRAD E meets all your needs for monitoring contamination in harsh environments.

The MiniTRACE CSDF is a multipurpose radiation survey meter monitoring alpha & beta radiations, as well as gamma & X rays. MiniTRACE CSDF measures the dose rate, the activity or the count rate. Combined with the right accessories, wipe tests (surface contamination) and food tests (food contamination) can be performed.

Yes, with an optional SpectroTRACER Air/Soil (type: LaBr3(Ce)), the SA2x0 can measure noble gas. The same SpectroTRACER Air/Soil can also be used for redundant data transmission (GPRS/3G/4G and satellite).

The SpectroTRACER Air/Soil displays the results in Bq/m2 and Bq/m3. The SpectroTRACER Aqua displays the results in Bq/l.

For the detectors NaI(Tl) and CeBr3, we are using the K-40 peak for γ measurements. For LaBr3(Ce), we are using intrinsic 138-Lanthan peak at 1468 keV.

With this unidirectional communication, we achieve two goals. The first is that the probes can run with very low power consumption and internal batteries up to 10 years. The second is that probes cannot be remotely manipulated or hacked.

• Security issue : Unidirectional radio transmission technology protects sensors effectively from external radio intrusion.
• Unpermitted manipulation of probe or tapping of measurement data is not possible !

Yes, the Air Monitor BAB and the SA2x0 calculate a static and dynamic compensation of ambient gamma radiation and natural radon and thoron progenies.

Combining two low dose rate tubes gives two main advantages. First, the background measurement has a better statistical uncertainty with two GM tubes. Second, if one fails, the second still provides radiation detection and measurement.

With internal solar panel, the GammaTRACER XL2 can run in permanent autonomy, including with the 10 minutes data transmission over a 3G / 4G / LTE modem or ShortLINK/SkyLINK (radio data transmission).

The GammaTRACER itself has a very low power consumption. With internal battery only, the lifetime is up to 10 years. It depends on the data transmission cycle and type of data transmission.

There are several reasons why it makes sense to combine weather stations with an environmental radiation monitor probe.

For instance, during a dry period, Radon progenies accumulate in the air. Once the rain falls, all these nuclides are washed out and the dose rate increases on the ground. Therefore, without information about weather conditions, you cannot differentiate the increases due to accident or rainfall.

The battery life depends mainly on the data transmission cycle. For instance, the battery life is up to 1 year with a 10 minutes measurement cycle and a 60 minutes transmission cycle, up to 2 months with a 10 minutes measurement cycle and a 10 minutes transmission cycle.

First, if one data transmission fails, you can instantly use the second one.

Second, if the authorities shut down the public communication, GSM data transmission will not work. However, satellite data transmission will work even in extreme emergency.

Just few minutes are needed to set it up and being ready for radioactivity measurement.

If the GammaTRACER® Spider data transmission and GPS function is off, only a magnet is needed to switch it on. Move quickly (in 2 seconds) the magnet 5 times directly above the Spider reed contact. The switches are engraved on the case for the data transmission and the GPS function.

If you have a self-stand-up version, you can drop the instrument and it will stand-up alone on the measuring spot.

If you have a manual stand-up version, preparing the support and placing the instrument will take less than a minute.

Second Sight complies with the standard MIL STD 810 G.

MIL-STD-810 standard conditions include: exposure to high and low temperatures plus temperature shock (both operating and in storage); rain (including windblown and freezing rain); humidity, fungus; sand and dust exposure; shock and transport shock; and random vibration.

The camera detects automatically the gas thanks to the gas cloud movement and the concentration evolution.

Easy to use, the interface directly presents the gas identification and concentration as well as the visualization of the gas cloud evolution.

An Ethernet cable assures the data transfer from Second Sight® to the laptop (100m maximum length without repeaters with cables of category 6).

Second Sight® can run a minimum of 5 hours on battery.

Second Sight® complies with the standard MIL STD 810 G.

Yes, with the optional motorized pan & tilt.

The detection range depends on the lens. Three lenses are available on the camera:

– Narrow field of view (12°x9°) long range up to 5 km
– Intermediate field of view (30°x24°) medium range up to 2 Km
– Large field of view (60°x48°) short range up to 500 m

Performances are better with favorable climatic conditions and relatively strong gas concentrations. The minimum detecting distance is 2 to 3 meters.

Yes, since the camera is thermic, the luminosity does not influence the camera sensitivity.

Second Sight® is operational in the following conditions:

– Storage temperature: – 20°C to + 70°C (-4°F and +158°F)
– Operating temperature: -20°C to + 55°C (-4°F and +131°F)
– Humidity: up to 100% but no condensation.

In case of extreme cold climatic conditions, the infrared signal from the background is not sufficient. Therefore, neither the system nor the batteries can work in those extreme cold conditions.

Second Sight® MS triggers the warning 10 to 15 seconds after the detection and provides an image each 400 ms (@25Hz).

The passive detection system detects the presence of gas thanks to the modification of the spectral distribution of the infrared flux emitted by the background.

Second Sight detects up to fifteen gases simultaneously.

Read more > >

Gases that do not present an absorption in the IR spectrum between 8 and 14 µm are not detectable by the camera. E.g. chlorine, hydrochloric acid, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Moreover, di-atomic molecules are not detectable due to their symmetries.

All gas having an absorption in the LW Infrared band are detectable by Second Sight®. Second Sight® is for example adapted for detecting military gases (Vesicants, Suffocates, Neurotoxins), Toxic Industrial Chemicals (Butane, LPG, LNG, Ammonia, Hydrogen cyanide etc..). Detection with Second Sight® is possible even if the gases are impure or mixed. The GAS X functionality also allows detecting a mixture of gases even though the gases are not present in the systems data base.

The abbreviation LWIR (Long Wave Infra-Red) defines the usable Wave Lengths, it is from 8 to 14 µm.

With any kind, since modules are integrated onto the vehicle, wired to a single electronic housing inside the vehicle, which provides video to displays.

There is a master and slaves. That is possible if some modules are connected to another electronic housing.

Up to 2 displays.

Up to 6 modules.

No. Armour of the vehicle is not affected. All wires between modules and the electronic housing pass along existing cable through.

As options, we propose an adapter for standard batteries (AA, CR123), and a cable to supply FusionSight® with an external source of power.

7 hours is an average of the autonomy in mixed modes.

Yes. That feature allows user to display thermal sources in black instead of white, which facilitates interpretation by human brain, depending on the observation conditions.

We designed the device with the highest performance/price and performance/weight ratio. An efficient and light laser range finder is costly and ultimately adds weight to the device.

FusionSight® has not been designed to undergo shocks caused by weapon shots when mounted on a weapon.

FusionSight® & PeriSight® are shutterless, so the IR image will never be shut down.

To give the most precise information on temperature, and so to be the most sensitive, an IR sensor must be calibrated so one temperature will be one level of grey. An IR sensor equipped with a shutter means that the IR sensor is disabled from time to time while being calibrated. This is a major inconvenient for the user because he will lose IR image when observing targets.

Smart fusion implemented into FusionSight® has many advantages:

– The major advantage is the capability to discamouflage a target: for instance, when a target is hidden, in vegetation, you will see it with thermal camera but you will not see where he is precisely located. With a low light camera, you won’t see the target, but you will see the vegetation, and the nature of the field between the target and you (holes, mounds,…). The fusion allows the user to fully see the scene: target, vegetation and nature of the field.

– No need to switch between Low Light and Thermal modes.

– The use of thermal camera is tiring for users because it is not natural for human brain. The fusion prevents users from tiredness, thanks to the similarity with human vision.

Yes. FusionSight® is operational after a fall of one meter on concrete.

FusionSight® works between -20°C and +50°C (-4°F and +122°F). For use beyond -20°C (-4°F), for example when dropping from a plane at high altitude, it is advised to switch FusionSight® on before the drop.

FusionSight® is IP 65, which means that:

– It is fully protected against dirt (meaning of 6 in IP65)
– It is protected against rain, but it is not protected against temporary immersion (meaning of 5 in IP65)

We do recommend changing annually the following spares:

–  Antirotation kit

–  Vacuum joint

Please check the user manual for more information.

Optimal parameters depend on many factors. On the Application Center, you will find a large variety of protocols tested on different sample types. These will help you creating your own protocol and conditions.

You can also submit your request to the application specialist who will help you determine the best conditions for your samples.

All the lysing kits we provide are certified RNase and DNase free.

The active cooling system Cryolys® Evolution is the best solution to keep your samples in a cold atmosphere from 0 to 10°C (+32°F to +50°F) and prevent them from heat degradation.

Yes, dry grinding can be performed in order to obtain powder from samples such as bones, teeth, hair, seeds or frozen tissues.

Find protocols on the application center > >

It is also possible to use several types of buffers, detergents and solvents with these consumables in order to obtain a solution.

Yes, any type of sample and tissue can be efficiently homogenized without degradation: fresh, frozen, with paraffin or other polymers.

All the consumables of the kits we provide are meant for a single use. For resistance reasons but mainly for reducing cross-contamination risk linked to the reuse of the tubes and beads.

However, every kind of matrix can be autoclaved and the tubes resist to one or two autoclave cycles.

Trizol is commonly used with Precellys® consumables. Nevertheless, it’s necessary to be very careful when handling and closing the tubes as well as for the protocol parameters since Trizol can damage the instrument in case of leak.

Solvents that degrade plastic are proscribed since they could weaken the tubes and potentially lead to dangerous leaks for the instrument and users.

The 300µL kits (96WP format) allow working with a minimum volume of 100µL or 100µg.

The 15mL tubes allow working with samples up to 10-12mL or 4-5g.

Between these two extremes, the other kits bring to the Precellys® Evolution an unmatchable versatility.