Portable Blood Analyzer Distributed in Radiology Departments

A handheld device with test cartridges analyzes patients' blood on the spot and delivers results for a variety of diagnostics, including creatinine, in less than three minutes.

The portable device, called the i-STAT analyzer, is particularly suited to radiology applications, because of the concern about the remote potential for contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). These two progressive disorders could be triggered when patients with kidney insufficiency receive certain kinds of contrast material during imaging procedures. Evaluation of patients' renal function prior to contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging procedures can assist healthcare professionals in their attempt to safeguard those patients by reducing the risk that their patients will by affected by these disorders.

Test cartridges include CHEM8+, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments- (CLIA)-waived, which provides an array of nine metabolic tests, including lab-accurate creatinine, a measurement of renal function recommended for those with risk factors like diabetes, kidney impairment, and advanced age.

Utilizing 18 different self-contained test cartridges, the i-STAT system delivers lab-accurate testing for blood gases, electrolytes, chemistries, coagulation, hematology, glucose, and cardiac markers in just minutes. By receiving these critical test results rapidly, healthcare providers' ability to quickly monitor and effectively manage their patients' care is enhanced.

Medrad, Inc. (Pittsburgh, PA, USA) announced the signing of an exclusive distribution agreement for radiology with Abbott Point of Care, Inc. for Abbott's (Abbott Park, IL, USA) i-STAT system portable blood analyzer. The agreement enables Medrad to introduce Abbott Point of Care's i-STAT analyzer to a large customer base in radiology departments with a focus on improving patient safety and meeting customer needs.

Medrad is an affiliate of Bayer AG (Leverkusen, Germany).


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