Agreement with Medical Automation Systems, Inc. Will Add RALS(R)-Plus
Module to Company's Hemoglobin and Glucose Handheld Devices
MADISON, N.J., June 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- HemoCue Inc., the U.S.
point-of-care testing distribution subsidiary of Quest Diagnostics
Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), today announced that it has signed an agreement with
Medical Automation Systems, Inc. (MAS) for the development of a RALS(R)-Plus
module for the HemoCue 201 DM analyzer whole blood systems for hemoglobin and
glucose point-of-care measurement. The interface will enable users of the
HemoCue 201 DM analyzers to automatically manage, report and electronically
transfer patient hemoglobin and glucose data to the RALS-Plus database and a
hospital's laboratory information system. The company expects to introduce the
hospital connectivity feature in Fall 2009.
"Today's technologies bring laboratory-quality results closer to the
patient, and point-of-care diagnostic insights allow healthcare providers to
address a patient's immediate health concerns quickly and directly," according
to Jon R. Cohen, M.D., Quest Diagnostics Senior Vice President and Chief
Medical Officer. "When these insights are automatically transmitted to the
hospital's laboratory information system, their value extends far beyond a
single episode of care and to the longer term care and well-being of the
patient."
HemoCue products enable common blood and urine tests to be performed at
the point-of-care without sacrificing the accuracy and precision offered by a
central clinical lab. HemoCue is the leading global provider in point-of-care
testing for hemoglobin, with a growing market share for glucose, urine-albumin
and white blood cell testing. Measurement of hemoglobin is important for blood
donors and patients under consideration for transfusion therapy, or currently
receiving dialysis or chemotherapy treatment, where instant test results can
lead to immediate treatment decisions. The HemoCue handheld systems are used
in physician's offices, blood banks, hospitals, diabetes clinics and public
health clinics. Approximately 50% of HemoCue products are sold outside the
United States.
HemoCue 201 DM systems support physicians with faster data availability
and enhanced quality control, including prompts for such information as
operator identification and lot number. The system's tracking features add
efficiencies to the billing process and support healthcare providers' efforts
to meet quality compliance standards. The RALS-Plus enhancement will add the
leading connectivity system for point-of-care testing to the HemoCue 201 DM
system, one that is currently used by approximately half of U.S. hospitals.
With the RALS-Plus for the HemoCue DM system, healthcare providers will be
able to view at the click of an icon all downloaded results, display all
flagged results, electronically manage system operators by device, and run and
send weekly and monthly reports.
About HemoCue
The HemoCue family of companies, acquired by Quest Diagnostics in 2007, is
a global leader in a field of diagnostics known as near patient, or
point-of-care, testing. In 1982, HemoCue AB, based in Angelholm, Sweden,
introduced the first system making accurate hemoglobin testing possible in
near-patient settings. Since then, more than 250,000 HemoCue systems have been
sold worldwide. The company also manufactures point-of-care tests for glucose,
urine albumin, and total white blood cell count. HemoCue subsidiaries,
affiliates, franchises, and third-party distributors generate revenue in more
than 100 countries, including England, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands,
Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and the U.S. HemoCue Inc. is the
company's U.S. point-of-care testing distribution subsidiary. Additional
information is available at www.hemocue.com.
About Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics is the world's leading provider of diagnostic testing,
information and services that patients and doctors need to make better
healthcare decisions. The company offers the broadest access to diagnostic
testing services through its network of laboratories and patient service
centers, and provides interpretive consultation through its extensive medical
and scientific staff. Quest Diagnostics is a pioneer in developing innovative
new diagnostic tests and advanced healthcare information technology solutions
that help improve patient care. Additional company information is available
at: www.QuestDiagnostics.com.
Quest Diagnostics Contacts:
Barb Short (Media): 973-520-2800
Laure Park (Investors): 973-520-2900
SOURCE Quest Diagnostics