ChroMedX Corp., a developer of in vitro diagnostics and point-of-care testing (POCT), is pleased to report that testing has commenced on the key spectroscopic component of the Analyzer of HemoPalm blood analysis device.
The spectroscopic analysis of blood samples is a key aspect of the HemoPalm system which significantly differentiates it from other point-of-care blood analyzers and replicates the testing methods seen in central laboratory benchtop devices.
Through the previously announced collaborative project with Dr. Cynthia Balion at McMaster University, calibration algorithms for the various hemoglobin (Hb) species referred to as CO-oximetry, are being developedusing blood samples collected for the “Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging,” in which Dr. Ballion is a key investigator. The microspectrometer used was supplied by Insion, Germany—the same microspectrometer that will be incorporated in the HemoPalm analyzer.
To date results for total hemoglobin(Total-Hb) and methhemoglobin (Met-Hb) have shown good correlation with FDA approved benchtop analyzer results. Testing and algorithm development continues for the other Hb species that will enable the HemoPalm to provide total CO-oximetry results. CO-oximetry measures the various hemolglobin (Hb ) species present in the blood and is a critical and unique aspect of the HemoPalm compared to other point-of-care blood analyzers in the market. As an example, one of the Hb species is used to detect carbon monoxide poisoning.
During the CO-oximetry investigation, a calibration algorithm was developed for measurement of bilirubin in whole blood. Bilirubin is an indicator of jaundice and has particular importance in the prediction and treatment of neonatal jaundice.
“The progress shown in these two areas moves us closer to completion of the alpha prototype of the HemoPalm Analyzer system. Demonstration of the ability to measure bilirubin from whole blood in a hand-held analyzer with no sample preparation is a significant development in POCT. This provides the foundation for a second cartridge in the HemoPalmTM line and a potential second analyte market,” said Dr. Wayne Maddever, President & CEO, ChroMedX Corp. The Company most recently announced the completion of the fabrication of the prototype HemoPalm cartridge, in conjunction with the McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI). A complete archive of the Company’s news can be found on the ChroMedX website.
ChroMedX Corp.
www.chromedx.com