What Does epoc Test For?
The epoc blood analysis system can be used to measure 13 different analytes, providing a well-rounded picture of a patients’ blood gas, electrolyte, and metabolite (BGEM) levels:
- pH
- Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2)
- Partial pressure of oxygen (pO2)
- Total carbon dioxide (TCO2)
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Ionized Calcium
- Chloride
- Hematocrit
- Glucose
- Lactate
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
- Creatinine
In addition to the analytes listed above, the epoc System measures 18 additional clinical values—including hemoglobin, anion gap, and eGFR. You can learn more by reviewing the Summary of Analytical Methods and Performance whitepaper, which can be found on the Siemens Healthineers website.
One of the biggest advantages of the epoc Blood Analysis System is that all analytes can be measured without requiring multiple epoc test cards. Learn more about epoc test cards, as well as the epoc reader and epoc NXS host here.
What Type of Sample Can Be Used on the epoc Machine?
The epoc system is meant to be versatile—as such, it can accommodate fresh whole blood and/or fresh whole heparinized blood from arterial, venous, or capillary sources. No matter which sample type is used, the system will perform virtually real-time, simultaneous testing for each of the analytes listed above.
How Much Blood Do You Need for epoc Testing?
For samples collected via traditional syringe, you’ll need a minimum of 92 milliliters. If you instead use the specially-designed epoc Care-Fill™ Capillary Tube, a 90 milliliter sample is all that’s needed.
Is the epoc Blood Analysis Testing System Worth the Price?
The epoc Blood Analysis System price may certainly be well worth the investment, especially when you consider its main benefits or advantages, which include:
- Reduced Turnaround Time: Thanks to its impressive turnaround time—less than one minute—the epoc system is especially popular in critical care settings. It’s hard to overstate the benefits of reduced turnaround time, from both the patient and provider perspective. The epoc testing system enables quick diagnosis, so timely intervention may be made.
- Increased Operational Efficiency: When inefficient workflows slow down a provider’s ability to diagnose a patient and take the proper action(s), the patients ultimately suffer. When you need quick, lab-accurate results to elevate the standard of care, the epoc testing system can make a significant impact.
- Improved Accuracy and Quality: If one thing is true about a majority of medical testing technologies, it’s that they are only as useful as they are accurate. While some decision makers may initially be skeptical of the epoc system’s ability to deliver lab-accurate results in less than a minute, it’s a highly reliable and accurate system—and an upgrade over other testing methods.
- Enhanced IT Security: The epoc system’s reduced turnaround time and impact on operational efficiency has a positive effect on facilities’ ability to maintain IT security. Since samples are taken at the patient’s bedside and results are returned in less than a minute, there is no need to transport samples to a lab. This not only saves time; it also greatly reduces the risk of samples becoming compromised or unusable.
Where Can I Review the epoc Blood Gas Analyzer User Manual?
When you purchase the epoc System, you’ll receive access to the full Document Library (registration required), which includes everything you will need to experience its full value—including the epoc system manual.
If you’re still trying to determine whether the epoc testing system is right for you, or if you still have questions about its basic functionality and operation, you can find additional information in our Frequently Asked Questions.
Better Care Starts with a Better Testing Solution
It used to be that the only way to achieve lab-accurate blood test results involved physically transporting samples to a separate location for processing. While this system technically works, the act of transporting samples can cause samples to be mishandled or contaminated—potentially destroyed, even.
Combining point of care sample collection and testing within a single process reduces the chance of human error compromising sample quality, providing the accurate and timely results clinicians need to deliver high level, quality care.
Learn more about the epoc blood analysis testing system by visiting the Siemens Healthineers website, or by reaching out directly with any questions you may still have.
