GETTING CLOSER ALL THE TIME ...

The range of diagnostic tests that can be performed in the consulting room is increasing rapidly. This is undoubtedly good news for patients, who welcome the prospect of 'instant' test results and fewer surgery visits. It does, however, lead to an understandable sense of apprehension amongst primary care professionals who may not be used to operating laboratory-style analytical equipment. Such misgivings can only be overcome by diagnostic systems which are simple to use, producing accurate results quickly and reliably.

Simplicity, accuracy, speed and reliability are key design criteria for Bayer Diagnostics, which offers one of the broadest product portfolios in the near patient testing arena. Developed specifically for use 'next to' the patient, Bayer's systems bring several areas of routine laboratory testing directly into the primary care setting, with a range encompassing diabetes management, urine screening and International Normalised Ratio (INR) testing, used in warfarin management.

Diabetes management

The company's DCA 2000+ analyser provides 'on-the-spot' HbA1C measurements and quantitative Microalbumin/Creatinine ratio analysis, enabling a full profile of results to be obtained in a matter of minutes during the course of a single patient consultation. The HbA1C assay takes six minutes and requires only 1 µL of capillary blood, sparing patients the trauma of venepuncture. The Microalbumin/Creatinine ratio is calculated in seven minutes using 40 µL of urine which can be collected from a random sample for maximum patient convenience. Use of the DCA 2000+ facilitates early detection of complications in patients with diabetes, removing the anxiety traditionally associated with having to wait for results. Results can be discussed at once with patients, providing them with immediate reassurance about their condition, and any necessary remedial treatment can be implemented without delay.

Urinalysis and UTI screening

Bayer's colorimetric urinalysis strips are already familiar to many primary care professionals, with the well-established Multistix® range providing qualitative or semi-quantitative analysis of key urinary indicators including glucose, bilirubin, ketones, blood, protein, urobilinogen, nitrite, leucocytes, specific gravity and pH. Such a wide testing menu provides a first-line manual screening facility for a wide range of conditions, with results easily interpreted by observing colour changes.

An automatic reading facility for these strips is also now available using the Clinitek® 50 - a compact instrument which makes urine testing dependable, consistent and easy to perform in any near-patient setting. Designed with the primary care user very much in mind, there are no timing steps, and users do not have to interpret the colours on the strips as the instrument does everything for them. This enables the Clinitek® 50 to be used with confidence by GPs, nurses and health care assistants, knowing that they will always obtain consistently accurate results. Taking only ten seconds to initiate the strip reading facility, the Clinitek® 50 produces a result for most assays after only one minute. This is delivered in the form of a printed report, eliminating the risk of transcription errors.

Instant INRs

Patients on coagulation therapy can be effectively managed using Bayer's portable Rapidpoint® Coag™ instrument which delivers rapid results from either fingerprick or venous blood samples. Use of this compact instrument enables immediate availability of results and hence therapy adjustment where appropriate. Patients particularly appreciate the convenience of obtaining INR results in a single visit to a local surgery, especially when this creates the opportunity to discuss any problems they may have. Testing in this setting is also conducive to patient education in the do's and don'ts of warfarin care.

Further information about Bayer Diagnostics' Near Patient Testing products is available from Andrew Sladen on 01635 563000.

Bayer Plc
Bayer House
Strawberry Hill
Newbury
Berks
RG14 1JA

Tel: 01635 563000

Web: www.bayerdiag.com