24 April
UnitedHealth Group has partnered with Boston Scientific, Medtronic and the University of Minnesota to distribute 3,000 new ‘light’ ventilators. This measure is expected to address the decreasing stock of critical breathing support equipment for patients amid the Covid-19 pandemic. These ventilators are expected to aid patients who require respiratory support when there is a shortage of conventional ventilators in the hospitals.
Enzo Biochem has announced the launch of its Covid-19 diagnostic test under the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The tests use the company’s exclusive GENFLEX open diagnostic platform. The tests are made of a collection system, sample processing and molecular analytic products to address the shortfall of supply in the market.
Siemens Healthineers has launched a laboratory-based total antibody test to aid in the fight against Covid-19. This test will address the need for diagnostic testing to identify the infected. The test can detect the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies and is reported to have a specificity and sensitivity more than 99%. The test should offer a clear view regarding the progression of the disease by identifying patients with an immune response.
The US FDA has granted EUA for Baxter International’s Oxiris filter to treat Covid-19 patients in the ICU with respiratory failure and in need of blood purification. The blood purification will reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine. Additionally, the filter can also be used for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). During blood purification therapy, the blood goes via the Oxiris filter set, which removes the cytokines, endotoxin, fluid and uremic toxins all at once, after which the blood is sent back to the patient’s body.
