Anemia Diagnosed and Monitored Using Advanced Chemiluminescence Technology

By Labmedica staff writers
Posted on 21 Jan 2008
Folate, vitamin B12, and ferritin tests have been developed for an ultra-integrated chemistry analyzer. These tests are used by physicians to diagnose and monitor anemia in patients.

Anemia is characterized by a decreased amount of healthy red blood cells in the circulation or by an abnormally low concentration of hemoglobin, which is needed to carry oxygen throughout the body. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, folic acid deficiency anemia, and iron deficiency anemia are among the most commonly diagnosed anemias.

The new tests, which use the luminescence oxygen channeling immunoassay (LOCI) chemiluminescence for testing on the Dimension Vista Intelligent Lab system technology, were added to Siemens' (Deerfield, IL, USA) menu for the detection and differentiation of anemia and iron metabolism. The ultra-integrated chemistry analyzer also provides iron and total iron binding capacity by photometric methodology; and haptoglobin, soluble transferrin receptor, and transferrin testing by nephelometric methodology.

"Anemia is estimated to affect up to 30% of the world's population,” said Jim Reid-Anderson, president, and CEO, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics. "Early diagnosis and effective treatment of anemia can make a strong contribution to improving patient outcomes and enhancing the quality of life. With the addition of B12, folate, and ferritin to the Dimension Vista Intelligent Lab System test menu, we can further support physicians in advancing the successful treatment of the most common forms of anemia.”

The Dimension Vista Intelligent Lab system menu provides panels for anemia, cardiac disease, thyroid disorders, therapeutic drug monitoring, protein testing, drugs-of-abuse testing, and routine and specialty chemistry testing.


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