EKF Diagnostics has launched its next-generation Hemo Control point-of-care (POC) diagnostics analyser, providing laboratory accurate hemoglobin and hematocrit results in one simple test.
Uniquely the new hemoglobin POC analyser enables full upgrade with Data Management functionality as required, giving the user complete flexibility over their future connectivity options via its bi-directional interface.
In addition to delivering accuracy and reliability of results, the new Hemo Control can easily communicate with hospital and laboratory systems. Using the new LIS2-A2 communication standard, this bi-directional interface allows the analyser to connect directly to third-party software and enable simple integration with Laboratory Information System (LIS) middleware. LIS2-A2 succeeds the ASTM communication standard commonly used for small to mid-size analysers and is easier to integrate than POCT-1A.
Available as a cost-effective basic device which stores up to 4,000 patient results, the new Hemo Control offers enhanced on-board Data Management (DM) functions following upgrade with the DM ‘add pack’ if required at a later date. In addition to enabling lists to be sent directly from the LIS to Hemo Control, DM upgrade also offers barcode identification of patients, operators, cuvette LOT and control materials, as well as quality control with lock-out functions and the ability to add comments to results.
Hemo Control requires no docking station when handling on-board data management as it uses simple cable connections (eg RS-232 to USB or LAN), or integrated Bluetooth technology which is available with Hemo Control Manager – the top-of-the-range device available with pre-installed DM functions.
As a highly-robust, portable analyser, Hemo Control is designed to provide quantitative, lab-quality results for both hemoglobin and hematocrit (imprecision of <2%) from 25 seconds for blood banks, hospitals and clinics. User friendly with step-by-step on-screen instructions and no calibration or maintenance needed, Hemo Control requires minimal training. Furthermore, this compact analyser uses NXT shape microcuvette technology, which enables improved finger stick sample collection by virtually eliminating appearance of air bubbles.
Commenting on the introduction of the Hemo Control, Katja Lemburg, global product manager for haematology, said: “Our new Hemo Control with flexible DM upgrade and bi-directional connectivity is ideal for customers who wish to keep their connectivity options open. This may be because they are planning on future connection of POC devices to the LIS, but have yet to decide; or they may need to split costs, for budgetary reasons, by upgrading at a later date.”
