FDA, EU Nods for POC Testing on Siemens Healthineers’ epoc NXS Host Mobile Computer

Siemens Healthineers received CE mark and 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the epoc NXS Host mobile computer. The epoc Blood Analysis System with the new epoc NXS Host offers an easy-to-use, hand-held device with intuitive software application to further advance point-of-care testing. The epoc NXS Host incorporates caregiver suggestions that enhance performance and streamline the testing workflow for critically ill patients.
 
“Effective point-of-care testing requires instruments that deliver quick results, are easy to use, and offer safeguards both for patient security and quality test results,” said Christoph Pedain, PhD, Head of Point of Care Diagnostics, Siemens Healthineers. “The epoc System with the new NXS Host offers clinical workflow improvements so that frontline healthcare workers can get comprehensive critical care test results quickly and accelerate care for their patients.”
 
The epoc Blood Analysis System with the new epoc NXS Host is a market-first diagnostic solution to be powered by Android to deliver advanced processing power and expanded memory for fast response time. Caregivers benefit from an intuitive, workflow-driven user interface and are prompted through the testing procedure with audio and visual guidance. Color coded test results are promptly and securely reported without having to leave the patient’s side so that caregivers can initiate action on critical results quickly.
 
Along with rapid, actionable results, the epoc Blood Analysis System simplifies and streamlines the blood gas testing process and inventory management with a single, room temperature stable test card. A comprehensive critical care menu consisting of blood gases, a basic metabolic panel along with hematocrit and lactate is delivered patient-side when and where it is needed most. As a safeguard to enhance patient safety, the epoc System‘s barcoded test cards reduce the risk of using expired reagents. With these key attributes, caregivers have greater confidence that test results are accurate and can reduce the time, resources, and risks associated with manual room temperature reagent tracking.
 
The epoc Blood Analysis System provides reliable, positive patient identification, and secure, wireless care team communication, enabling caregivers to remain at a patient’s bedside. Test results are delivered to the LIS/HIS via a secure, wireless connection for seamless integration into hospital networks with the Siemens Healthineers Point of Care Ecosystem. This enables the epoc System to offer a complete and consistent clinical picture across the care continuum to connect patients, their actionable test results, care teams and the therapy they deliver.
 
“COVID-19 created an intense focus on patient and staff safety. Blood gas testing with the epoc System allowed the respiratory team to obtain samples and receive results without ever having to leave the room,” said Patricia DeJuilio, Clinical Director, Respiratory Care Services, Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital. “There was tremendous value in having results within minutes while never leaving the bedside of a critically ill patient and with COVID-19, never having to transport a sample outside of a COVID-19 safe environment, which was of critical importance to maintain everyone’s safety.”