Portable Coagulation Analyzer Enables Point-of-Care Testing

A compact analyzer measures prothrombin time international normalized ratio (PT/INR) on-site for improved management of anticoagulation therapy.

The Siemens Healthineers (Erlangen, Germany) Xprecia Stride coagulation analyzer uses fresh capillary blood collected using fingerstick strips in order to measure coagulation time, especially important for the monitoring oral anticoagulation therapy with warfarin and for measuring blood coagulation before sanguineous procedures such as oral surgery. In order to minimize any potential for variability, the analyzer uses proprietary Dade Innovin reagent to provide performance equivalent to that of a laboratory hemostasis system, but the results are available within minutes, at the point of care (POC), expressed as INR.

Feature include intuitive navigation via simple icons and animation on a color display, an integrated bar-code scanner to help collect data, and a new eject button that allows the user to easily remove a used test strip and dispose of it without touching it, minimizing potential biohazard exposure. The Xprecia Stride Coagulation Analyzer can be held at virtually any angle and brought directly to the patient’s finger for efficient and comfortable blood sample application.

“The Xprecia Stride analyzer is designed to be safe, efficient and ergonomically friendly. We now have the ability to cover the full range of hemostasis testing from the hospital lab to the physician’s office,” said Michael Sampson, senior vice president of Siemens Healthineers POC business. “With the Xprecia Stride analyzer, Siemens Healthineers delivers on the promise to bring a safe and lab-accurate test directly to the patient.”

Warfarin decreases blood coagulation by inhibiting vitamin K epoxide reductase, an enzyme that recycles oxidized vitamin K to its reduced form after it has participated in the carboxylation of several blood coagulation proteins, mainly prothrombin and factor VII. It was initially introduced in 1948 as a pesticide against rats and mice and is still popular for this purpose. In the early 1950's warfarin was found to be effective and relatively safe for preventing thrombosis and embolism in many disorders. It is the most widely prescribed oral anticoagulant drug in North America.

Related Links:
Siemens Healthineers