An early risk assessment of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) patients is essential for optimizing treatment and rational resource allocation. Adrenomedullin (ADM) has a significant presence in the course of LRTI and is strongly associated with a patient’s risk of mortality and severe complications. ADM reflects a patient’s risk profile while its elevation is independent of the LRTI etiology. A robust method to assess ADM levels is the measurement of a stable surrogate marker, the midregional fragment of ProAdrenomedullin (MR-proADM). The only available automated immunoassay is from Thermo Fisher Scientific. Biomarkers are an additional or alternative tool to improve prognostic accuracy of clinical scores such as Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI), C(U)RB etc. The validation of new biomarkers showed that ProArenomedullin performed best as a prognostic marker reflecting severity and prognosis, particularly if combined with clinical risk scores. Directly reflective of ADM production in a 1:1 ratio and well documented for clinical use, the measurement of ProADM (MR-proADM) by immunoassay provides results that are rapidly available to aid timely clinical decision-making. The assay features small sample volume (26μL) and measurement in EDTA plasma.
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The Cervical Biopsy Punch with Rotation has been designed to remove the risks of crosscontamination which can occur when reusing hard-to-clean instruments on patients undergoing cervical cancer biopsies. The nylon-based trigger handle and the metal jaw were developed using the most advanced materials, techniques and expertise available. The shaft and inner rod – made from stainless steel – actuate the jaw ensuring no movement or flex occurs, enabling a sharp and clean cut. With the sheer volume of cervical biopsies taken every year (over 1.5 million in Europe), this device could have huge potential.
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The model DR660 portable scale provides mobile bariatric weighing making it ideal for visiting home healthcare nurses. The 21.5 inch (56 cm) wide platform accommodates broad stances inherent in bariatric patients. The weighing platform is only 2 inches (5 cm) high, requiring only a minimal step and features a non-skid rubber mat for patient assurance and safety. The features of this model are i) 660 lbs. (300kg) capacity, ii) 1 inch (25 mm) high bold LCD readouts, iii) RS232 serial port for EMR/EHR connectivity, iv) carrying handle and v) rechargeable built-in battery. There is also a HOLD function, which retains weight on the display after a patient has stepped off the scale, thereby allowing for patient attendance before recording measurements.
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The HAMILTON-MR1 is a fully featured ICU ventilator that provides respiratory support to the adult and paediatric critical-care patient in the direct vicinity of an MRI scanner. With its compact design, internal batteries and its built-in turbine, it provides maximum flexibility during transportation from the ICU to the MRI department. The integrated gaussmeter helps navigation through the magnetic field and allows safe positioning of the ventilator. It is shielded to withstand a magnetic field of 50mT, which corresponds to a distance of less than 1m from a 3T MRI scanner. The patient can be optimally synchronised with the ventilator, which minimises the work of breathing. The ventilator supplies all advanced modes of ventilation and offers non-invasive performance.
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The new optional DICOM Software program incorporates the Atomlab 960 Thyroid Uptake System with hospital management systems, streamlining workflows and improving communication. The DICOM Software program retrieves patient information from the work list and uploads the patient results, without exiting out of the clinical software, increasing staff productivity and efficiency. DICOM allows the thyroid uptake reports to be transferred, stored and queried/retrieved throughout a facility. Physicians can view both images and uptake reports simultaneously. The Atomlab 960, introduced in March 2013, is an advanced spectrum analysis instrument designed for diverse nuclear medicine applications which boasts a count rate of 150,000 cps and is engineered for mobility, durability and operational efficiency. The combination of a new unique positioning LED and distance measurement rod allows for easy and reproducible patient positioning and uptake measurements during nuclear imaging. Thyroid uptake studies, manual MCA program, wipe tests, bioassay, and other user-defined tasks are accomplished with speed and precision using this fully integrated computer-controlled instrument and its comprehensive selection of application software. The system’s multi-channel analyser has 1024 channels, with individual MCA’s for the probe and optional well counter. The Atomlab 960 handles clinical tests, safety compliance tasks, and system administration procedures quickly and accurately. It automatically performs calculations, stores patient information and test results, and outputs clear concise reports. User-defined uptake protocols can be initiated. Automated systems and administrative functions streamline and simplify the QC process to allow for optimal efficiency. Intuitive programs and Quality Assurance applications follow conventional nuclear medicine procedures, yet can be customized to meet specific requirements.
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