Diametrics Medical Introduces New Electrolyte Testing Cartridge for Point-of-Care Blood Chemistry Equipment

Strategic Insights -

Diametrics Medical, Inc., a manufacturer of point-of-care blood chemistry equipment, has introduced a new testing cartridge for the measurement of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, ionized calcium) in whole blood. The cartridge is used with the company's IRMA(R) System, a portable analyzer that provides immediate diagnostic blood chemistry values at the point of patient care. The new electrolyte testing cartridge, combined with the company's existing blood gas testing cartridge, enables hospitals to perform the majority of critical laboratory requests at the point of care, potentially converting "stat laboratories" to point-of-care testing.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new electrolyte testing cartridge measures sodium, potassium, and ionized calcium levels in whole blood.
  • The cartridge is used in conjunction with the IRMA System, a portable analyzer that provides immediate diagnostic blood chemistry values.
  • The IRMA System can perform the majority of critical hospital laboratory requests, enabling "stat laboratories" to be converted to point-of-care testing.
  • Proper quantities of electrolytes and balance among them in blood plasma are critical to normal metabolism and various muscular and cardiac functions.
  • Certain diseases, conditions, and medications may lead to an electrolyte imbalance.
  • The electrolyte cartridge will be available for purchase in June 1995.
  • Diametrics Medical introduced a test cartridge for blood pH, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and related calculations in the previous year.
  • The IRMA System is easy to use, requires minimal training time for healthcare professionals, and weighs only four pounds.
  • The system comes with a battery charger, rechargeable batteries, and manual.
  • Diametrics Medical received FDA approval for point-of-care testing in 1992 and approval for the electrolyte test cartridge in January 1995.
  • The company's common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "DMED".

Statistics:

  • Electrolyte imbalance can lead to various muscular and cardiac functions.
  • The new electrolyte testing cartridge is designed for use with the IRMA System.
  • The IRMA System has a four-pound weight, about the size of a large notebook.
  • It takes minimal training time for healthcare professionals to use the IRMA System.
  • The electrolyte cartridge will be available for purchase in June 1995.

Sources:

  • Diametrics Medical press release, June 13, 1995
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval documents for point-of-care testing and electrolyte test cartridge, 1992 and 1995.