Siemens Healthineers has signed a definitive agreement to purchase point-of-care diagnostics firm Alere's blood diagnostic systems unit, Epocal.
Financial details of the acquisition have not been revealed.
The agreement covers Epocal’s handheld, wireless testing solution called epoc Blood Analysis System and will bolster Siemens Healthineers’ blood gas portfolio.
epoc Blood Analysis System is designed to deliver blood gas, electrolyte and metabolite results in around 30 seconds following introduction of the sample.
The system comes with epoc room-temperature stable BGEM test card, reader and host2 mobile computer.
Siemens Healthineers point of care diagnostics president Peter Koerte said: “As one of the market leaders in blood gas, the acquisition of the epoc product line will enable us to provide the right solution in the right setting, all from one partner.
“The acquisition complements our existing offerings in the point of care diagnostics space, with a view to provide customers globally with a full range of blood gas solutions."
The epoc range is expected to integrate into the firm’s digital systems network to offer a broad solution to its customers.
With an aim to improve customers’ workflows, Siemens Healthineers portfolio of blood gas diagnostics includes a variety of devices such as low-volume, single-use handheld device and high-volume, multi-use benchtop solution.
Blood gas test systems are used in critical care settings, including hospitals, clinics, emergency departments and pulmonary laboratories.
The Epocal deal is subject to completion of Abbott's acquisition of Alere, antitrust approvals, and other customary closing conditions.
Image: Siemens building in Germany. Photo: courtesy of Rufus46/Wikipedia.
