New Analyser Rapidly Focuses on what Matters in Point of Care Safety

The new cobas b 123 POC system, the latest blood gas analyser from Roche due for launch in the UK and Ireland in February 2011, generated much interest among delegates at the recent 2010 UK Roche Symposium. Designed specifically to be used at the point of care (POC), the compact cobas b 123 is ideal for use in critical care units, emergency rooms and other POC settings. Easy to use and virtually maintenance free, it incorporates a number of important infection control features and ensures minimal downtime with reliable, clot-free operation.

The only manual maintenance steps required for the cobas b 123 are the replacement of consumables, making it ideal for use in POC settings. Its highly durable electronics and mechanics make it robust and reliable, ensuring minimal downtime and saving time required at the machine. Furthermore, clot-free operation ensures that there is no unnecessary disruption to routine or waste of reagents.

The cobas b 123 is extremely easy to use, so minimal training is required. With touch screen operation, the system guides the user through operational processes step by step. The press of a single button is all that’s required to initiate sampling and measurement. The cobas b 123 includes all-important critical care parameters including blood gases, haematocrit, bilirubin, electrolytes, glucose and lactate. To make interpretation of results as easy as possible, the large, colour display screen presents unambiguous readings, with measurements that fall outside predefined acceptable limits highlighted clearly.

Smart chips on the consumables eliminate the need for scanning barcodes and swapping the consumables across instruments. In addition, since the sensors are separate from the fluid pack, the latter can be stored conveniently at room temperature, which frees up valuable fridge space. Inventory status is displayed clearly on the screen and step-by-step prompts guide the user through the changing of consumables with ease. Everything is front loaded. An additional, unique feature is the ability to transfer data across instruments using a simple media card. The cobas b 123 has many infection control and safety features that make the analyser ideal for use throughout the hospital.