Multi-Parameter Desktop Analyzer Provides Rapid Testing

A multi-parameter desktop analyzer has been launched for providing rapid testing at point-of-care.

Axis-Shield UK (Cambridge, UK) has launched the Afinion, a winner at the Medical Design Excellence Awards 2006, which enables immediate rapid testing, regardless of sample type. Unlike many other systems currently on the market, Afinion is a genuine multi-assay analyzer, offering a wide range of laboratory-quality tests on a single point-of-care system. Afinion is well suited to multi-user environments, such as community clinics, where test results are required quickly and a laboratory service may not be available. The instrument is extremely easy to operate--users simply insert a cartridge and follow the prompts on the color touch-screen display. Minimal maintenance is required.

Tests already available on Afinion include glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), C-reactive protein (CRP), with albumin creatinine ratio (ACR) and prothrombin time international normalized ratio (PT-INR) in the final stages of development. Other tests such as homocysteine will be introduced later.

HbA1c is used for monitoring of diabetes and is the parameter of choice for long-term glycemic (blood sugar) control. Afinion will provide results automatically in just three minutes, offering real time savings to the busy healthcare professional. CRP is used as a diagnostic tool for differentiation between viral and bacterial infections. A rapid CRP test is valuable in avoiding the prescription of antibiotics if an infection is likely to have a viral cause.


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