How Does the epoc Machine Work?

The versatile epoc system allows healthcare providers to conduct a thorough assessment of a patient's blood gas, electrolyte, and metabolite levels with a single test card.

Here are the key analytes the epoc System tests for:

• pH: Indicates the acidity or alkalinity of the blood, which is essential for diagnosing conditions like acidosis or alkalosis.
• Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO₂): Measures the efficiency of carbon dioxide removal from the body, crucial for assessing respiratory function.
• Partial pressure of oxygen (pO₂): Assesses the oxygenation of blood, providing vital information about lung performance.
• Total carbon dioxide (TCO₂): Reflects the overall level of carbon dioxide in the blood, giving insights into metabolic and respiratory functions.
• Sodium: An essential electrolyte that plays a significant role in maintaining fluid balance and proper nerve and muscle function.
• Potassium: Vital for heart function and muscle contractions, potassium levels are closely monitored in various medical conditions.
• Ionized Calcium: Measures the biologically active form of calcium in the blood, important for bone health, nerve function, and muscle contraction.
• Chloride: Helps maintain the body’s acid-base balance and contributes to overall fluid balance.
• Hematocrit: Indicates the proportion of red blood cells in the blood, helping diagnose anemia or dehydration.
• Glucose: A critical measure of blood sugar levels, essential for managing diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
• Lactate: Elevated levels can indicate tissue hypoxia, sepsis, or other metabolic disturbances.
• Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): Provides insight into kidney function by measuring the amount of nitrogen in the blood that comes from urea.
• Creatinine: Another key marker of kidney function, helping to assess how well the kidneys are filtering blood.

Beyond these primary tests, the epoc System calculates additional clinical values, including hemoglobin levels, anion gap, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). These comprehensive results, delivered quickly at the point of care, enable healthcare providers to make informed decisions on vital medical intervention toward positive patient outcomes.

The epoc System provides lab-accurate results in under a minute after the sample is introduced to the test card. The entire process, from sample application to result display, is streamlined and efficient, typically taking around 4 minutes. This quick turnaround time allows healthcare providers to make timely, data-driven decisions directly at the point of care, improving patient outcomes and operational efficiency. The speed and accuracy of the epoc System make it a valuable tool in various clinical settings where rapid diagnostics are essential.

For more information about the epoc system, explore the epoc blood gas analyzer user manual.

When considering the investment in the Siemens Healthineers epoc^® Blood Analysis System, it’s important to focus on the return on investment (ROI) rather than just the initial cost. While the exact epoc machine cost and the full epoc blood analysis system price may vary depending on factors like the healthcare facility's size and specific needs, the value it delivers is of consideration and may certainly justify the financial outlay.

• Operational Efficiency: The epoc System enhances operational efficiency by reducing turnaround times. Traditional lab-based blood analysis often requires transporting samples to and from the lab, which can delay results and impact patient care. With the epoc System, results are available in under a minute at the patient’s bedside, enabling faster clinical decisions and improving workflow efficiency.
• Cost Savings: By providing accurate results quickly, the epoc System can reduce the need for repeat testing and minimize the risks associated with sample degradation during transport. This not only saves on the costs associated with additional tests but also reduces the overall cost of care by enabling timely interventions that can prevent complications and lengthy hospital stays.
• Patient Outcomes: The real value of the epoc System lies in its ability to improve patient outcomes. Quick and reliable test results lead to rapid informed clinical decisions and intervention, which can improve treatment efficacy and patient satisfaction. These factors may contribute to a stronger reputation for the healthcare provider, potentially leading to increased patient retention and referrals.
• Inventory and Maintenance: The epoc Blood Analysis System also offers potential cost advantages in terms of inventory and maintenance. The test cards are stable at room temperature, reducing the need for refrigeration and simplifying inventory management. Additionally, the system’s intuitive design minimizes the need for extensive training and reduces the likelihood of errors, further lowering operational costs.

While the upfront cost of the epoc machine and related components might be a consideration, these costs may be offset by potential long-term ROI through enhanced efficiency, cost savings, and improved patient outcomes experienced by the healthcare facility.

Ready to enhance your patient care and operational efficiency? Contact us today to learn more about how the Siemens Healthineers epoc^® Blood Analysis System can benefit your facility.