Siemens launches RAPIDPoint 500 Blood Gas System

Siemens has announced the launch of the new RAPIDPoint 500 Blood Gas System, a point-of-care analyser for use in critical care testing.

The device is available worldwide and allows a comprehensive range of critical care tests – including pH, blood gas, electrolytes, glucose, lactate and full CO-oximetry – to be conducted using a single whole-blood sample in around 60 seconds.

It offers laboratory-quality results in a rapid and easy-to-use manner, while utilising measurement cartridges that last up to 28 days and contain a full complement of tests, thus helping to minimise downtime.

According to the manufacturer, the launch of the new system will cater to the growing need for point-of-care testing in the hospital setting, as well as the necessity of improved efficiency.

Dr David Stein, chief executive officer for the point of care business unit at Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, said: "The RAPIDPoint 500 system is designed to satisfy the unique demands of testing at the point of care."

This comes after the firm launched its Innovance VWF Ac Assay, a new device for use in diagnosing bleeding disorders, last month.