Sphere Medical Launches Blood Gas Analyzer

Sphere Medical Limited has launched a miniaturized arterial blood gas analyser designed to deliver rapid and frequent results at patients’ bedsides.

CE marked and specifically designed for critical care environments, the Proxima System incorporates a dedicated bedside monitor and the Proxima Sensor that is integrated into a patient’s arterial line. This enables blood to be measured directly at the point of care without need to leave the patient or manipulate samples and cartridges which can all add to the workload of front line care staff, the company claims. Measured to laboratory analyser accuracy, results are rapidly displayed on the bedside monitor and can be electronically transferred for permanent record.

Simple to use, the in-line Proxima System enables closed blood sampling and is operated via the touch screen interface of its bedside monitor. When a blood gas analysis is required, blood is withdrawn from the patient directly into the Proxima Sensor without the need to open the line, take a sample and walk away for analysis. Once analysis is completed, all blood is returned to the patient, thereby ensuring blood conservation and reducing the possibility of hospital acquired anaemia and subsequent transfusions, Sphere bigwigs noted in a news release.

“Rapid return of data and swift response to changing blood gases is as essential in patient care as the continual measurement of blood pressure. Fast feedback and response could have a real impact on efficiently stabilising patients or weaning them from mechanical ventilation,” said Tom Clutton-Brock, M.D., senior lecturer of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine at University Hospital Birmingham (United Kingdom).

A Proxima Sensor is a disposable transducer which can be used for monitoring blood gases and electrolytes over a 72 hour period as many times as required. The system also carries out all quality control checks that would be undertaken on a traditional blood gas analyser to ensure validity of test results. It also includes a facility to be challenged with liquid controls.

“Frequent measurement of arterial blood samples is a key component in the effective management of patients in the critical care environment, particularly those that are unstable,” said Wolfgang Rencken, Ph.D., CEO of Sphere Medical. “For this reason we have developed and launched Proxima to keep the care giver by the patient, conserve blood and rapidly return blood gas results to aid early decision making and closer control of therapy for critically ill patients –- all of which will ultimately improve patient outcomes.”

Based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, Sphere Medical develops medical monitoring and medical diagnostic equipment.