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Roche has launched CE-marked Roche v-TAC, a new blood gas digital diagnostic tool that may simplify and accelerate the screening of patients with respiratory problems during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The new solution enables clinicians to obtain results for arterial blood gas values from patients with respiratory or metabolic abnormalities through a less invasive venous puncture by utilising a digital algorithm.
In addition, it provides clinicians with data about a patient’s pulmonary function and acid‐base status to enable diagnosis, provide treatment and monitor progress.
The solution is fully integrated for use with Roche’s cobas b 123 POC and cobas b 221 systems, using the Roche cobas infinity point-of-care (POC) solution.
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By GlobalDataCompared to traditional blood gas test that requires the collection of an arterial blood sample, Roche v-TAC digital solution allows clinicians to use a venous blood sample and digitally convert these values into arterial blood gas values.
The process will help healthcare systems to free up specialist healthcare staff to other tasks.
Roche Diagnostics CEO Thomas Schinecker said: “In an emergency situation such as the Covid-19 pandemic, Roche v-TAC could also help healthcare professionals to assess disease severity faster in patients and closely monitor potential deterioration in patients with respiratory compromise.
“Digital tools based on clinical algorithms like Roche v-TAC can help improve and simplify the delivery of care in emergency situations faster and where it is most needed.”
Blood gas analysis is typically used in hospital POC settings, including emergency rooms, intensive care units and operating rooms where quick and accurate results are needed.
In March, Roche obtained the v-TAC technology with the acquisition of Denmark-based Obi Medical Aps, which focuses on developing disruptive blood gas testing technology.
