Diagnostic Analyzer for Use in Emergency Department

A diagnostic testing analyzer called FasTraq, based on surface plasmon resonance technology, is designed for point-of-care diagnostics in hospital emergency departments (EDs). The FasTraq system allows multiple test panels to be run on multiple patients simultaneously in 15 minutes or less. The system and a test cartridge for total hCG have been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The test for total hCG (PrePaq Total hCG) is intended for the quantitative measurement of human chorionic gonadotropin in human whole blood to aid the detection of pregnancy. Both the analyzer and the test were developed by Quantech Ltd. (Eagan, MN, USA). The platform allows the wireless delivery of test results directly to the appropriate ED nurse and doctor at bedside through handheld communicators. The company states that its products are designed to enable hospital EDs to reduce testing turnaround times and enhance patient treatment. Another goal, says the company, is to help hospitals cope with the growing overcrowding of emergency departments and frequent ambulance diversions that occur in US hospitals.

Further tests are under development, including a cardiac panel test cartridge. Eventually, Quantech expects to have a menu of about 20 STAT tests for the FasTraq system. These will be grouped in patient diagnosis-related panels such as cardiac enzymes, pregnancy, red and white blood cell counts, blood coagulation, and electrolytes and kidney function.




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