Lab-Accurate Results Without the Lab

EKF Diagnostics, worldwide manufacturer of point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tools, introduced two new low cost POC analyzers at Medica 2012 World Forum for Medicine in Düsseldorf, Germany. The United Kingdom-based firm formally launched the new Quo-Lab glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) analyzer for the affordable management of diabetes, and previewed a new strip-based analyzer for highly accurate near patient testing of ketosis – the STAT-Site M β-HB.

The semi-automated Quo-Lab HbA1c analyzer is CE marked and provides highly accurate, affordable and easy-to-use technology for general practice surgeries, diabetes clinics and laboratories, according to EKF Diagnostics. HbA1c monitoring increasingly is used in the detection and management of diabetes; Quo-Lab is designed to meet the needs of economies where resources are limited and where diabetes increasingly is becoming a large public health issue. Requiring minimal training and just 4 µL of venous or finger prick blood, the small, lightweight Quo-Lab delivers laboratory-accurate results within four minutes.

EKF also previewed its first strip-based ketone analyzer, the STAT-Site M β-HB, which potentially could take testing for ketoacidosis out of the laboratory and into the emergency room. ß-Hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) is the main ketone produced during ketosis and provides a quantitative and accurate assessment of patients displaying symptoms of ketosis.

The launch of STAT Site M β-HB follows development of the ß-Hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) LiquiColor Reagent System developed by EKF subsidiary Stanbio Laboratory. The β-HB liquid stable reagent can be used on any open channel analyzer and is used by 13 of America’s top 25 diabetes and endocrinology hospitals to provide rapid, objective results.

Quo-Lab and STAT SiteTM M β-HB are being demonstrated at Medica in Hall 3 Stand C70 through Nov. 17.