NEW YORK, Aug. 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- As vendors from the world in vitro diagnostic industry assembled in Philadelphia for the American Association of Clinical Chemistry, companies demonstrated innovation not only in new products but in approaches to existing lines, according to Kalorama Information. The healthcare market research firm attends AACC every year as part of its generation of primary research on the in vitro diagnostics industry. This year, innovation, particularly in automating the process of testing and moving samples through analyzers, was a key theme. Kalorama Information has tracked several factors that are leading to the trend, from cost-cutting in the lab to the shortage of qualified lab professionals. Kalorama is set to release its report, The Worldwide Market for In Vitro Diagnostic Tests, 10th edition, http://www.kaloramainformation.com/Worldwide-Vitro-Diagnostic-10206771/.
"The vendors seemed to get the message that labs are demanding efficiency due to staff shortage and small margin of competition," said Publisher Bruce Carlson. "Most of the major IVDs put automation solutions front-forward, and you really saw competition for workflow solutions for all sizes of labs, including mid-size."
Siemens Healthineers unveiled a new automation system and made automation the central focus of its AACC appearance. The system, called Atellica, was unveiled at a surprise announcement at the meeting. Attendees, including Kalorama staff and analysts, lined up to enter the closed-off room where the new system was being presented. (By Wednesday of the meeting it became difficult to get a space in the 'black box' presentation to see the new machine.)
Siemens claims the system features patented bidirectional magnetic sample-transport technology that is 10 times faster than conventional conveyors. The system can be fit into hundreds of configurations to make the product appealing to mid-size labs with limited space. Siemens demonstrated the system connected to a clinical chemistry analyzer and in immuno analyzer however the system is designed so that it can be customized and use with many different types of analyzers. The system can run 400 immunoassay tests per hour, according to the company. Samples are moved a multi directional fashion to avoid bottlenecks into route samples to different places in the system based on the type of collection device which tests need to be performed and also staying cognizant of traffic within the system. The product is under FDA 501K review.
Every major IVD company had automation products on display. Automation was once a concern mostly for the large labs, but at this meeting vendors took aim at the smaller or midsized labs seeking an automated work flow.
Biomerieux promoted its BacT/ALERT® VIRTUO™ which, according to the company, is the first continuously monitoring blood culture microbial detection system to offer what they call "load and go" technology. The blood culture system can combine up to three additional incubators subunits connected to a command module in a single bank. The bank enables the management of high volumes of up to 100,000 bottles/year with a single entry point. Bottles are automatically transferred into the system and a Blood Level Detection feature measures the blood volume in each blood culture bottle at the time of loading.
Beckman Coulter announced its Diagnostics Difference - a synergistic, scalable combination of tools, insights, management systems and process improvements aimed at fast, consistent turnaround times. The company also offered attendees a preview of products in development, such as a new low-volume hematology analyzer and a medium-volume chemistry platform.
Becton Dickinson aimed at automation for micro labs with its Kiestra™ ReadA Compact intelligent incubation and imaging system. The system is designed for small footprint. It combines automatic dynamic digital imaging and individual plate storage. The system uses a new high resolution industrial camera and three different LED light sources, ensuring an optimal image is created for all sample and media types.
Ortho Clinical Diagnostics highlighted its enGen™ Laboratory Automation system, used in combination with the VITROS® Systems and informatics solutions. The company indicated in a meeting with Kalorama that competing for small-to-mid-size labs and in emerging markets was essential for their growth. Ortho also displayed transfusion medicine instrument, The ORTHO VISION® MAX. The company said that it was operating in a more dynamic way since the company's sale to the Carlyle Group, and has added employees and new products since leaving J&J.
Roche Diagnostics demonstrated its Cobas 8100 and 8000 modular analyzers at the meeting, among other systems. The company emphasized IT solutions as an important part of the workflow and positioned a 'genius bar' of sorts in its booth, the largest booth on the expo floor. At a Roche Diagnostics press conference on Tuesday, speakers noted how many of the same issues that were present now that were present a dozen years ago - customers needing to reduce costs, increase their capacity, obtain faster results, but said the technology available to service these needs has increased.
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About Kalorama Information
Kalorama Information, a division of MarketResearch.com, supplies the latest in independent medical market research in diagnostics, biotech, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and healthcare; as well as a full range of custom research services. Reports can be purchased through Kalorama's website and are also available on www.marketresearch.com and www.profound.com.
We routinely assist the media with healthcare topics. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and our blog at www.kaloramainformation.com.
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