System Diagnoses and Manages Metabolic Syndrome at POC

A novel point-of-care (POC) system supports better diagnosis and monitoring of patients at high risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease with the aim of preventing disease progression.

The new cobas b 101 system offers early risk assessment and prognosis in patients with metabolic syndrome, a combination of factors associated with a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Using blood from a single finger prick, the system produces results in 15 minutes with the same precision as a medical laboratory. Cobas b 101 assists healthcare professionals in screening, diagnosis, and long-term monitoring of patients.

The cobas b 101 system offers combined monitoring of patients’ long-term glucose control and key blood lipids levels (high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, as well as triglycerides). The system measures two major indicators that aid in the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. The testing of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) supports appropriate monitoring and treatment by identifying people with high blood glucose levels. Blood lipid panel testing allows doctors to determine whether a patient is at increased risk of heart and blood vessel disease. Highly elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in the blood may lead to the accumulation of cholesterol on the artery walls.

Roche (Basel, Switzerland) announced the global launch (excluding US) of cobas b 101 for use at the doctor’s office or outpatient clinic. “By offering easy to use, fast and precise point-of-care analysis, cobas b 101 system represents a step forward in the management of metabolic syndrome and has the potential to improve patients’ quality of life and clinical outcomes,” said Roland Diggelmann, COO of Roche Diagnostics. “Roche is committed to supporting healthcare professionals with new, more efficient diagnostic tools and helping to reduce healthcare spending by bringing testing to the patient.”

Metabolic syndrome is estimated to affect 20%–25% of the global adult population. It is reflected in increasing levels of diabetes, from which an estimated 366 million people suffer worldwide. As more than half of all people with diabetes may go undiagnosed, detection of very early symptoms is essential. With the cobas b 101 system Roche aims to support pharmacists, general practitioners, and other clinicians in daily medical practice to better diagnose and manage patients with hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, the two main risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

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