Two new configurations for the successful DrySyn system of laboratory heating blocks add even more flexibility for the pharmaceutical
or process chemist and provide economical synthetic chemistry solutions for the teaching laboratory. The DrySyn Multi M and Multi S each provide a compact reaction station for up to three standard round bottomed flasks, with maximum volumes of 250ml and 500ml respectively. Any flask size down to 5ml can be used in both models with the appropriate inserts. Both models can also accommodate up to 12 vials or tubes. Used with a standard hotplate stirrer, these blocks conveniently replace dangerous oil baths in the chemistry laboratory, and can heat a reaction flask 25% faster than an oil bath. DrySyn heating blocks offer excellent heating performance up to 300ºC, a small footprint and exceptional reaction visibility, and are fully compatible with magnetic stirring.

Developed by INTEGRA VIAFLO – GripTips are a next generation range of pipette tips that ensure the perfect connection between pipette and tip. GripTips have been engineered to provide unmatched high lateral resistance. As a result, pipette tips will never fall off while pipetting. Benefiting from unique Tri-Lobe Fittings, GripTips deliver low attachment and ejection forces enabling comfortable, stress-free pipetting even over extended periods of use. GripTips deliver a precise and consistent
tip seal ensuring that all tips on a multichannel pipette are precisely at the same height; increasing the accuracy and precision of each multichannel dispense. Available in five volumes (12.5μl, 125μl, 300μl, 1250μl and 5000μl) GripTips come in stackable racks, GREEN PACK environmentally friendly inserts or bulk configurations (non-sterile, sterile and filter sterile).

Shimadzu Corporation has released a new gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC-MS) that offers the highest performance in its class. Named “GCMS-QP2010 Ultra”, it is capable of fast data measurement with sensitivity five times higher than previous models. In addition to improving laboratory
productivity for high-speed analysis, it also offers improved applicability for comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC), which can achieve ultra high separation. It is also the first GC-MS system to have environmentally friendly
features for saving consumption of power and carrier gas. This helps reduce laboratory operating costs and minimise environmental impact. The new instrument hosts a variety of new functions for improving productivity in the
laboratory.

Phenomenex introduces the Zebron ZB-1XT SimDist - a metal GC column specially designed for simulated distillation analyses in petrochemical applications. The new column features Phenomenex’s unique Glass Infusion technology, which ensures consistent phase coating and reproducibility. Zebron ZB-1XT
SimDist are rugged and provide documented efficiency gains of up to 70% over other comparable metal columns on the market. Every column is individually tested to guarantee quality. Simulated boiling point methods are commonly used in petrochemical analysis to determine the range of hydrocarbons in a sample. These high-temperature distillation methods require resolution greater than 2.0 of C50 and C52, posing a challenge for most columns used in this application. The new Zebron ZB-1XT SimDist column exhibits less than 3.5% loss in resolution after 90 hours at 430°C.

SEBIA has unveiled the latest addition to its automated agarose gel electrophoresis portfolio, ASSIST, the new autosampler designed to ensure standardisation of all pre-analytical steps. ASSIST works in conjunction with SEBIA’s HYDRASYS 2 instrument and data acquisition software PHORESIS to provide full automation and positive sample identification.
Developed to address the needs of clinical diagnostic laboratories, this innovative autosampler eliminates manual pipetting with direct sampling from primary tubes. Featuring a barcode management system for positive
identification of primary sample tubes, the autosampler also provides automatic dispensing
of antisera for immunofixation. Programming the ASSIST is very easy, allowing either standard or customised sample dilutions to be performed.

Commonly included in chemistry courses to demonstrate the principle of using light to measure concentration, analysis of aspirin tablets can be carried out accurately by two different methods using Jenway’s 73 series spectrophotometers. A new Jenway Application Note describes and compares how to determine the concentration of acetylsalicylic acid in aspirin tablets, using both the UV and visible wavelength capabilities of the 73 series spectrophotometers. Method 1 measures salicylic acid’s absorption maxima at 303nm while Method 2 quantifies a violet coloured complex at 530nm after salicylic acid has been derivatised with Fe(III). Three tablets were tested using each method and the results and standard deviations
are given in the Application Note.

Linkam Scientific Instruments, have been used as temperature stage suppliers to Queen’s University in Canada for ten years to study
the properties of ferroelectric liquid crystals.The research program of Professor Robert Lemieux and his team focuses on the rational design of chiral and achiral molecular components of ferroelectric liquid crystal mixtures based on principles of self-assembly and molecular recognition. Understanding the thermal properties of liquid crystals is crucial to the establishment of structure-property relationships that are useful in the design of new materials. For example, in the design of ‘de Vries-like’ liquid crystals, the focus is on changes occurring at the SmA-SmC phase transition, as well as changes in physical properties such as birefringence. As such, the use of thermal polarized optical microscopy allows the observation of texture changes at the SmA-SmC phase transition that provides useful information on such changes, and the Linkam LTS-350 hot stage used provides precise temperature control for this purpose.

Thermo Fisher Scientific has released a new method guide for the analysis of selenium in shampoo. The method, which aligns with the European Union commission directive 97/73/EEC stipulating the methods of analysis necessary for checking composition of cosmetic products, features the Thermo Scientific iCE 3000 Series atomic absorption spectrometers. These spectrometers include deuterium background correction as standard and offer a fast and accurate solution for the
analysis of selenium in shampoo. The iCE 3000’s wizard-driven SOLAAR software also provides simple spectrometer optimisation
and method development tools. The method is detailed in an application note, entitled “The Determination of Selenium in Shampoo by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry,” which is available to download via www.thermoscientific.com/App-Note-43050.

A new product from Alere allows CD4 to be rapidly and accurately measured at the point of care. The simple and easy to use Pima system counts T-helper cells on a 25 μl finger prick blood sample, giving results in just 20 minutes – a considerable benefit over existing
technologies. An essential part of HIV management, the CD4 count provides a baseline indicator of immune status that is monitored to assess the response to antiretroviral drugs. However access to
testing has always been a major issue as only specialist laboratories have traditionally performed CD4 counts. Sending samples away for testing involves waiting for results, repeat visits and delays in treatment. The Pima CD4 revolutionises this approach and is the first test to allow on-the-spot determination of immune-status, introducing significant benefits in terms of care, convenience and cost. The portable instrument is simple to operate and can be used in any community or mobile situation to provide immediate and accurate CD4 counts.

The Institute for Radiopharmacy at the Forschungszentrum Dresden-Rossendorf is using NanoSight’s LM-20 nanoparticle characterisation system to study magnetic nanoparticles for applications in cancer therapy. The research team of Dr Holger Stephan is working to develop magnetic nanoparticles which can be applied in cancer therapy, preferably in combination with intracellular hyperthermia/ablation and endoradionuclide therapies. This requires nanoparticles to be very stable under physiological conditions and they should also avoid accumulation in the reticuloendothelial system. The NanoSight ability to track individual particles by the scattering of a laser beam has made the study of nanoparticle stability much more convenient. Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis, NTA, has been used to successfully follow the stability of different systems as a function of temperature in EDTA and different cell media.

Brady’s labelling technology guarantees the durability of sample identification, even after protracted storage. Laboratory and biological samples often have to be stored for long periods at low temperatures, either for legal reasons, for archiving, for GLP compliance or simply to preserve them for future use. Hand-written labels are particularly prone to smearing when handled, and to fading after long-term storage. Accidental contact with chemicals such as solvents can simply dissolve away vital information. Even if printed labels are used, incompatible combinations of label material and ink can make labelling equally vulnerable, with the added problem that if barcodes become unreadable, data is lost or corrupted. The huge Brady product range offers an unrivalled 72 different combinations
of label material and ink to ensure durability in any storage conditions, with expert technical advice available to help customers make the right choice.

By introducing Sequenom’s MassARRAY Analyser for use in DNA analysis, ATLAS Biolabs GmbH aims to expand its range of services in molecular genetics. Sequenom’s innovative MassARRAY system comprises a high-throughput platform which utilises matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The system can be used for validating potential biomarkers identified by next-generation sequencing, for fine mapping of genome-wide association study (GWAS) data and for applications that employ defined SNP panels. The exceptional flexibility of the system allows for the quick adoption of newly discovered biomarkers into novel or existing biomarker panels.

At this year’s International Aerosol Conference in Helsinki, Copley Scientific exhibited the latest equipment for aerosol sampling and
particle characterisation, including the extended capabilities of the Wide-Range Particle Spectrometer (WPS) from MSP Corporation. The WPS is the only commercially available spectrometer that combines differential mobility analysis and condensation particle counting with laser light scattering in a single instrument. Now, it delivers a measurement range that extends from 10 microns to 5nm and incorporates an electrical ioniser to neutralise particle charge prior to DMA, eliminating the need for neutralisation by radioactive source.Thanks to its wide measurement range, the WPS is applicable across a variety of situations. It is ideal for: atmospheric aerosol measurement; indoor air quality studies, characterising emission sources;
laboratory aerosol research and much more.

Olympus has announced that the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is using its LEXT OLS4000 in a project to establish good practice guidelines for the calibration of 3D/areal surface texture measuring instruments. The NPL project will establish robust and easy to use calibration steps and reference standards for all the major areal surface measurement instrumentation technologies, with the LEXT chosen as the reference imaging confocal microscope. The good practice guide on calibration of confocal microscopes will also provide input to the upcoming ISO 25187-707 standard. The LEXT OLS4000 has a large and very fast MEMS scanning mirror along with dual pinholes, which provides advanced measuring confocal laser scanning microscopy. The larger mirror enables the system to provide superior optical quality, and the increased scan speed reduces the time it takes to create a 3D image of a sample.

The Pathology Department at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead has embraced the NHS vision to increase efficiency and reduce waste through the application of LEAN principles. Gateshead is a high throughput blood science laboratory for which increased efficiency will bring huge benefits. After carefully considering many possible configurations for a serum work area (SWA) platform, from several suppliers, the department decided to partner with Roche, who offered the best automated solution for the size of their laboratory. With Modular pre-analytics located close to the sample reception
area, the laboratory now has three analytical processing lines consisting of two cobas 6000 platforms and one high throughput cobas 8000 platform. These are all linked to a highly efficient track system with a post-analytical
module for automated sample storage and retrieval.

Specialists in temperature control, Huber has expanded their product range of laboratory temperature control machines with the Microprocessor Controller. The MPC is a modern, low cost controller which has been purposely designed with basic functions. It can be purchased alone, as an immersion bath or re-circulation temperature control machine. All models use natural refrigerants, are environmentally friendly and save energy. The MPC models are suitable for countless laboratory uses, such as samples, preparation, analysis, materials testing, as well as external temperature control of measuring equipment or experiments. The MPC models reach a stability of +-0.05°C and are fitted with over temperature and low level protection, meeting safety class III/FL (DIN 12876), and are therefore suitable for use with flammable fluids.

Sera Laboratories International, the serum specialist, has an extensive product listing serving a wide variety of cell culture requirements. These high quality products comprise cell culture sera, cell culture media and reagents, and include innovative serum and serum-free options. Sera Lab is a UK-based, independently-owned primary collector of foetal bovine and other sera, guaranteeing full traceability of material from point of origin
to final bottled product. Available documentation includes Certificates of Analysis, Certificates of Origin, and batch filtration documentation. Membership of the International Serum Industry Association (ISIA)
also affirms Sera Lab’s commitment to quality, safety and safe use of serum. One of the key products in the range is foetal bovine serum (FBS), triple filtered to 0.1 μm with low endotoxin and haemoglobin content.

Nottingham based company, Scientific Laboratory Supplies (SLS), announce exclusive distribution rights of neodisher laboratory and
scientific cleaning agents as of 1st August 2010. Dr Weigert (UK) Ltd, a subsidiary of Dr Weigert GmbH, chose to collaborate with SLS as they already have an established brand, as well as highly regarded sales and logistics solutions. SLS is a leading supplier of laboratory products to a range of industries including universities, hospitals and pharmaceutical agencies. They have a strong team of sales and customer support professionals on hand to help customers
find exactly what they need as well as an online sales provision making it easy for customers to source new neodisher products. Well known in the UK neodisher products are high performance detergents popular in any laboratory with a glass washer or where glassware is cleaned by hand. These make a welcome addition to the range of products offered by SLS, which have all been selected for their high quality and value for money.

Fisher Scientific announces the launch of an exciting new range of Fisherbrand electrophoresis systems. The range encompasses SUB-GEL horizontal and Verti-Gel vertical gel electrophoresis systems, which are unsurpassed in their quality, flexibility and ease
of use. By using the latest state-of-the-art injection moulding techniques, the Fisherbrand Electrophoresis range offers the latest in affordable, high-quality electrophoresis products. Each system includes multiple comb and gel tray options plus casting dams for leak- free gel casting. The Verti-Gel mini vertical with leak-proof gel casting, features unique, fast set-up sliding clamps, 4-gel capacity and inserts for blotting and 2-D electrophoresis. The Sub-gel Midi Duo 96 horizontal system which allows up to 96 samples to be separated within a single compact gel tank, saving on bench space and reagent consumption.

Delivering reliable operation in demanding conditions, Fiberguide Industries introduces its new line of fused silica capillary tubing. The new line of tubing has proven effective in a number of scientific applications including protein characterisation, small molecule and genetic analysis, proteomics, DNA sequencing and fragment analysis. Fiberguide’s capillary
tubing is manufactured from high purity synthetic quartz with a protective coating of polyimide. Applied to the outer surface of the tubing, polyimide has an upper temperature limit of 360ºC. A wide variety of standard I.D.’s are available, from
2μ to 700μ and O.D.’s from 90μ to 850μ. Non-standard sizes can also be manufactured by request.

Leica Microsystems GmbH and Abbott have reached an agreement for Abbott to supply fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) probes that target the HER2 gene locus. The probes
will be used to develop a fully automated FISH solution for HER2 testing on the Leica Microsystems’ BOND, an automated advanced staining platform. Abbott’s PathVysion FISH assay is the gold standard ISH (in situ hybridisation) test for diagnosing the response of patients to Herceptin. Leica Microsystems will develop an automated version of this test to be performed on their BOND system using a standard protocol. Automation of the test on the Leica BOND system will enable Pathology
laboratories to run this diagnostic test more efficiently. The HER2 FISH test is designed to identify patients that are likely to respond to Herceptin, a drug which is used as a frontline therapy for treatment of breast cancer.

Olympus has today introduced the new Diffusion Measurement
module for Olympus ASW 2.1 software. Designed
specifically for use with the Olympus FluoView FV1000 confocal
microscope system for live cell imaging, this new software
module provides users with the flexibility to undertake three
different types of diffusion study: point fluorescence correlation
spectroscopy; raster scan image correlation spectroscopy
(RICS) and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching
(FRAP). As a result, the Diffusion Measurement Package is ideal
for a broad range of cell biology
and biophysics applications.
Intracellular diffusion is
frequently analysed to assess
the movements, interactions
and microenvironments of
intracellular molecules to
determine the patterns and
rates of molecular movement.

Stuart’s launch of the SMP20 digital melting point apparatus sets a new benchmark by offering 0.1ºC temperature resolution and an adjustable ramp rate in a cost-effective instrument. Building on the success of the SMP10 with its high accuracy and easy operation, the SMP20 incorporates features designed to provide increased versatility. A four-digit LED display resolves temperature to 0.1 of a degree and to facilitate temperature
recording, a hold button has been added. This enables the user to freeze the display at the melting point while the block temperature continues to rise. The SMP20 also provides
the ability to program the ramp rate anywhere within the range 1ºC to 10ºC per minute. For maximum ease of use the SMP20’s
simple-to-follow instructions are printed directly on the instrument in most European languages. The unit heats up quickly and remains at the selected plateau temperature until the user is ready to start the test.

The FlowSyn Continuous Flow Reactor from Uniqsis (Cambridge, UK) now gives chemists the freedom to choose the FlowSyn system with the appropriate flow path material best suited to their particular chemistry. Flow chemistry in micro-reactors has many advantages over batch processing – better reproducibility and scalability, improved yields and fewer problems with unstable intermediates or exothermic reactions – and the user can now choose a flow path a configuration that is most chemically compatible with the type of chemistry to be performed. A limitation of existing flow reactors is attributable to the use of PEEK components in the flow path. This material is an excellent engineering polymer but has limited compatibility with concentrated mineral and organic acids and very strong organic bases) whereas Uniqsis fit specially modified high pressure pumps that do not contain PEEK.

The FlowSyn Continuous Flow Reactor from Uniqsis (Cambridge, UK) now gives chemists the freedom to choose the FlowSyn system with the appropriate flow path material best suited to their particular chemistry. Flow chemistry in micro-reactors has many advantages over batch processing – better reproducibility and scalability, improved yields and fewer problems with unstable intermediates or exothermic reactions – and the user can now choose a flow path a configuration that is most chemically
compatible with the type of chemistry to be performed. A limitation of existing flow reactors is attributable to the use of PEEK components in the flow path. This material is an excellent engineering polymer but has limited compatibility with concentrated mineral and organic acids and very strong organic bases)
whereas Uniqsis fit specially modified high pressure pumps that do not contain PEEK.

With sample volume flexibility from 100ul to 20ml and with the widest range of MWCOs (from 2,000 Da to 0.2 μm) the Vivaspin collection from Sartorius Stedim UK Limited offers convenient solutions for various applications including: Protein, DNA and Enzyme concentration, desalting; buffer exchange; diafiltration; HPLC sample preparation; forensic analyses and more. Vivaspin incorporates a centrifugal ultrafilter membrane with a patented vertical membrane design and innovative dead-stop technology, thin channel filtration chamber for minimal membrane blocking and high speed concentration when preparing biological samples.The collection includes unique volume sizes: Vivaspin20 and Vivaspin6 along with a variety of membrane types such as PES, CTA and the patented Hydrosart for exceptional, one-step recovery rates.

The RAININ Classic is the ergonomic evolution of traditional Pipetting style and quality. This robust, high performance pipette has the look, feel and handling of classical pipettes, but newly added ergonomic features ensure a hand-friendly operation and a reduced risk of injuries. The RAININ Classic will provide you with years of reproducible performance due to
its durable construction but, with its comfortable finger hook and with plunger forces 25% lower than Gilson Pipetman, it will give you effortless, hand friendly pipetting, all day long. It covers all eight volume ranges from PR-2 to PR-10ML, and you don’t have to compromise on accuracy and precision, as RAININ Classic specifications are equivalent or better than those of the Gilson
Pipetman. Why not discover the benefits for yourself by ordering online today, and getting the RAININ Classic for just £99! Offer ends 30th September 2010.

Fisher Scientific announces the launch of the new Thermo Scientific Chromatography Columns and Consumables Catalogue. Offering
540 pages of innovative and proven chromatography tools, including many novel and unique additions, the new catalogue makes the broadest collection of tools and techniques readily available to meet all needs, from sample preparation to separation and analysis. This makes it a must-have reference for laboratories utilising any form of chromatography. With a long history of chromatography expertise and established products, the Thermo Fisher Scientific portfolio
has grown to include trusted product names such as Hypersil, Chromacol and National Scientific that give customers choice, quality and dependability. The company’s outstanding
product portfolio continues to expand, as demonstrated by the latest catalogue
additions which include Hypersil GOLD HPLC Columns, TraceGOLD and Trace-
PLOT GC Columns, HyperSep, Retain, SPE Solutions and more.

Meiji Techno UK is pleased to announce the new line up of costeffective microscopes for 2010. Excellent delivery backed with a limited lifetime warranty make Meiji a “must see” alternative for laboratories upgrading their microscope suites. The all-new MT9900 Series Polarising Microscopes are perfect for the study of thin sections and other mounted samples. They come with a focusable Bertrand lens, a rotatable analyser in a sliding mount with 360° graduation and a 3-position slider with 1st order red, 1/4 wave plate and Brightfield imaging. The EMZ-13VX has a coaxial vertical fiber optic illuminator which is excellent for observing flat, highly reflective specimens such as integrated circuits and semiconductors. The MT5000 Series biological microscopes feature larger F.N.22 eyepieces, top line U.Plan objectives, larger wider stage with low ergonomic controls and the choice of LED or 30W halogen illumination.

Culturefuge 400 is the latest addition to Alfa Laval’s range of hermetically designed disc stack centrifuges for harvesting mammalian cell cultures. Handling up to 20 m3/h, Culturefuge 400 is a true, production-scale centrifuge. It
consists of a disk-stack high-speed separator with piping for service liquids and process liquids and includes an integrated electrical system with star ter, PLC controls and pneumatic unit. A motor with an integrated VFD is standard. A steam-sterilisable pump for transpor t of the solids phase is an option. Culturefuge’s design is in accordance with
both ASME and PED pressure vessel codes. The centrifuge incorporates a bottom fed bowl which is completely filled with liquid to ensure
that all air is excluded during cell separation.

Fisher Scientific, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., announced the launch of its new Organics Handbook. For the first time, users can conveniently access both Acros Organics and Maybridge products in one combined location, making this the ideal reference resource for organic chemists. The Acros Organics and Maybridge ranges complement one another, perfectly. Acros Organics offers a wide variety of commodities
for the organic, medicinal, analytical and biochemist. The Maybridge selection of heterocyclic building blocks and reactive intermediates is unparalleled and plays an enormous part in accelerating user’s research programmes. The handbook contains 31,000 Acros Organics and 10,000 Maybridge products across 2,300 pages. Each product has an application guide along with all the information a customer would require to use the product.

The cooling of X-Ray equipment is crucial, especially when it’s part of a highly advanced three-dimensional imaging system. When Thermal Exchange was approached by a renowned manufacturer of X-ray inspection equipment to provide a bespoke cooling solution, they immediately set about establishing their requirements and were soon designing the initial prototypes. Because of variations in the customers equipment, it was necessary to split the total cooling requirement between two individual units to be mounted one above the other. The first of many challenges was to provide a machine with sufficient cooling capacity in the available size envelope. The end result was a versatile global
cooling system tailored to meet the customer’s exacting requirements; capable of providing a continuous supply of essential coolant at exactly the right flow, pressure and temperature in a wide range of variable conditions.

To maintain laboratory air quality and safety, Diba has introduced the Omnifit Labware T-Series Waste Caps. The chemically inert caps trap and contain escaping vapour generated by HPLC and other lab solvents. A colour changing indicator strip notifies lab personnel when it is time to replace the vapour trap. The T-Series waste caps come in a range of bottle thread types and connect to 1/8” OD semi-rigid tubing without requiring additional fittings. The tubing pushes straight through the cap
Luer ports to create a liquid- and vapour-tight seal. Other tubing sizes can be accommodated using a variety of adapters, without compromising the seal. A separate ¼”-28 UNF thread port enables connection of a vapour trap and breakthrough indicator unit.

BioCision’s CoolBox offers an innovative cooling and freezing system for all-day ice-free sample temperature control. The reusable cartridge technology is convenient, portable and eliminates the risk of contamination and temperature variability associated with the use of ice. Unlike sealed plastic coolers, which require refreezing overnight, CoolBox gives unlimited cooling duration by simply switching cartridges. The cartridges consist of a gel pack with a novel thermo-conductive alloy shell which enables fast recharge in a standard -20ºC lab freezer. A single cartridge provides 4–10 hours of ice-free cooling at 0.5ºC to 4ºC, depending on whether the CoolBox lid is off or on, and when a CoolRack is placed on the cartridge the system provides unparalleled ice-free temperature consistency and control.

Jenway’s 67 series spectrophotometers offer high quality splitbeam optics and a cutting-edge user interface for fast, intuitive operation. Excellent data portability and secure multi-user operation add to the versatility of these advanced instruments. Featuring sealed split beam optics, all the 67s deliver more accurate measurements than single beam instruments, while being more affordable than double beam spectrophotometers. The sensitive yet durable touch screen and colour display, together with sealed touch-sensitive QWheel for fine cursor control, make for a highly flexible, easy-to-use interface. Both the 6705 and 6715 cover the wavelength range from 190nm to 1100nm using a pulsed xenon light source, with the 6715 providing an ultra narrow bandwidth of 1.5nm.

Dycem are showing how they are reducing the carbon footprint for users of their products. Pressure to reduce energy usage and carbon footprints together with eliminating waste are now targets for many organisations and Dycem is no exception. Dycem contamination control surfaces are designed to be fully reusable and have a life expectancy of between three and five years. They combine a unique polymeric compound and advanced processing technology to create a smooth, washable surface that can be cleaned with a damp mop and squeegeed dry, leaving the floor covering immediately ready for further use, without loss of performance in the capacity to trap contaminants. The alternative products to Dycem contamination control surfaces are peel-off mats. These mats are layered, adhesive coated, polyethylene sheets that are ripped up when dirty and then disposed of as consumer waste.