Bedside Monitor Analyses Blood Gases and Glucose

An updated sensor monitors blood gases and blood glucose frequently and directly, enabling earlier interventions and closer patient management.

The next-generation Sphere Medical (Cambridge, United Kingdom) Proxima system includes an in-line disposable sensor that contains an array of electrochemical biosensors on a silicon chip, and a medical grade tablet device with an intuitive touch screen user interface. The system is used for monitoring blood gases and electrolyte levels (including pH, pCO2, pO2, hematocrit, and K+), and blood glucose levels over a 72 hour period for as many times as required, with results displayed on the dedicated bedside tablet.


All results are seamlessly transferred directly into the hospital laboratory information systems and electronic medical records (EMRs). Since the disposable sensor remains connected to the patient via their arterial line, a significant reduction in time to results is provided, when compared to conventional benchtop analyzers. This makes it particularly useful in the management of influenza, acute respiratory distress (ARDS), severe sepsis, trauma, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other vulnerable conditions that require isolation in order to prevent contact and droplet-spread.

“Proxima is already redefining how arterial blood gas testing is carried out in critically ill patients, through its use for the close monitoring of patients in the UK, Germany, and Belgium,” said Wolfgang Rencken, CEO of Sphere Medical. “Based on clinical feedback, we have launched our next generation Proxima, which is now even better placed to support rapid and frequent measurements of blood gases, electrolytes and metabolites without blood loss. The addition of glucose to the analyte panel is the most significant new parameter, enabling better glycemic control in the critically ill.”

“The recent time and motion study we conducted at University Hospital Southampton clearly highlighted the workflow benefits of using Proxima on critically ill, unstable patients,” said professor of anesthesia and intensive care medicine Mike Grocott, MD, of the University of Southampton (United Kingdom). “We look forward to the launch of the new Proxima and the opportunity to use this device on a larger patient group within the ICU.”

Arterial blood gas analysis measures the blood gas tension values of arterial oxygen tension (PaO2), arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2), acidity (pH), and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), among others. It is one of the most common tests performed in intensive care units and is intended to reflect gas exchanges across the alveolar-capillary membrane.

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