Quantitative Test for ß-Hydroxybutyrate Assesses Diabetic Ketoacidosis

A new quantitative strip-based test for ß-Hydroxybutyrate (ß-HB) provides a quick and easy assessment of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), delivering results in less than 80 seconds. The test has received the CE marking.

EKF Diagnostics' (Cardiff, United Kingdom) STAT-Site M ß-HB will be launched at the American Association for Clinical Chemistry’s Annual Meeting and Clinical Lab Expo (AACC 2013) in Houston, (TX, USA) from July 30 to August 1, 2013.

The presence and degree of ketosis can be rapidly assessed at the point-of-care (POC) by accurately measuring blood levels of ß-HB, which accounts for 78% of the three ketone bodies, from just 10 µL of serum or plasma. The information gained will guide quality care when monitoring DKA in newly diagnosed patients. It also reduces time and costs in an intensive care unit setting.

Also at AACC, highlighting the clinical utility of ß-HB for the screening and diagnosis of ketosis, the AACC Industry Workshop ‘Metabolic Disturbances That Lead to ß-Hydroxybutyrate and Ketone Bodies’ will be hosted by EKF on Tuesday July 30, 7–8 am.

This will be presented by POC specialist Dr. James Nichols, professor of pathology, microbiology & immunology and medical director of clinical chemistry at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (Nashville, TN, USA). Attendees will learn about the critical inter-relationships of glucose, diabetes mellitus, and conditions that lead to DKA.

Other very recently launched EKF products will be demonstrated. These include another strip-based test for the rapid POC analysis of hemoglobin for anemia determination, STAT-Site M Hgb. This hand-held analyzer combines low cost per test with portability and reliably delivers accurate hemoglobin results within 30 seconds from 15 µL of finger-prick whole blood.

AACC delegates will also have the opportunity to meet the new EKF Molecular Diagnostics’ team and view research use only products for cancer gene-mutation enrichment and companion diagnostic applications.

These include newly introduced PointMan DNA enrichment kits which comprise three kits for enriching mutations in BRAF, KRAS and EGFR T790M genes associated with melanoma (skin cancer), colorectal, and lung cancers. PointMan kits offer highly specific and ultrasensitive enrichment of mutant genes in a background of wild-type (normal) genes.

Julian Baines, Group CEO, commented, “This year’s AACC Clinical Lab Expo is the first time we have showcased our new EKF Molecular Diagnostics cancer gene detection technology portfolio alongside our clinical chemistry and near-patient testing products. Our experts will be on hand to discuss our ever-broadening range of innovative and high-quality IVD diagnostics products. These are designed to rapidly and accurately detect and manage diabetes, anemia, lactate and kidney related diseases, as well as support better informed decisions on patient treatments through companion diagnostics.”

Related Links:
EKF Diagnostics
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine