Integrated Chemistry and Immunoassay Analyzer with Extensive Assay Menu Offers Flexibility, Scalability and Data Commutability

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 10 Jul 2024

Image: The new DxC 500i Clinical Analyzer is an integrated clinical chemistry and immunoassay analyzer (Photo courtesy of Beckman Coulter Diagnostics)

As global healthcare systems increasingly shift towards networked laboratory operational models to enhance efficiency and patient access, there is a greater need for innovative solutions tailored to the specific demands of both satellite or independent laboratories and core laboratories. Now, a new integrated chemistry and immunoassay analyzer that combines the required flexibility, scalability, and data commutability with an extensive assay menu is perfectly suited to meet the needs of satellite and independent labs.

Beckman Coulter Diagnostics (Brea, CA, USA) has launched the DxC 500i Clinical Analyzer, an integrated clinical chemistry and immunoassay analyzer that incorporates the recently introduced DxC 500 AU chemistry analyzer technology with Six Sigma performance. In January, Beckman Coulter introduced the DxC 500 AU Chemistry Analyzer, a highly automated clinical chemistry analyzer that features onboard guided workflows, access to over 120 assays, and standardized reagents for use across different healthcare network labs. The DxC 500i extends these capabilities by integrating the DxC 500 AU technology into its clinical chemistry functions and using Beckman Coulter's standardized reagents and consumables across its scalable clinical chemistry and immunoassay product line. This integration facilitates consistent patient results, providing significant strategic advantages in patient care and inventory management for hospitals and healthcare networks.

The DxC 500i Clinical Analyzer is designed with FlexMode operations, which allows for prioritizing immunoassay and chemistry tests based on the urgency of each sample. It features a dynamic sample handler that automates the management of repeats and re-runs without needing operator intervention, efficiently introducing a new sample rack as soon as the previous one is removed, thus enhancing throughput within a compact design. Moreover, the DxC 500i is user-friendly, featuring an intuitive interface that aids even novice operators with proactive task indicators, detailed step-by-step instructions, and streamlined staff training. Currently, the DxC 500i Clinical Analyzer is available in markets that accept the CE mark. However, it is awaiting submission and approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration and is not yet approved for in vitro diagnostic use in the U.S.

"The development of the DxC 500i Analyzer is yet another example of how Beckman Coulter is investing in the needs of a broad range of laboratories across healthcare systems," said Kathleen Orland, Senior Vice President, Business Unit, General Manager, Chemistry and Immunoassay for Beckman Coulter Diagnostics. "The DxC 500i Clinical Analyzer powers both clinical chemistry and immunoassay testing in one space-saving package. With steadfast performance, practical simplicity, and trusted clinical quality, this analyzer meets the specific demands of the low-volume laboratory customer, standalone laboratories and community hospitals."