Rotkreuz, Switzerland, 2nd April 2008

Roche Diagnostics provides software upgrade for its cobas b 221 bloodgas analyzer

Roche Diagnostics today announced the global launch of an enhanced software (Version 7.0) for its flagship bloodgas analyzer; the cobas b 221 system. The cobas b 221 is a desktop device designed for critical care providing bloodgas analysis, the measurement of the most important electrolytes, as well as Glucose, Lactate, Urea, Bilirubin and hemoglobin derivatives. The new software version is tailored to the demands of critical care clinicians, nurses and POCT co-ordinators. It provides new features for single parameter trending, and the option to define specific parameters panels.

In critical care situations hospitals of all sizes are increasingly reliant on information technology in saving time and coming to rapid therapy decisions. The step from data to actionable healthcare information in this context needs an overview of the trends that a patients’ status follows. For this very reason the upgraded software provides the possibility to graphically display any development on parameters which are measurable on the cobas b 221.

“Roche Decentralized Solutions is dedicated to develop innovative ways to enhance the value of diagnostics in critical care settings,” said Charles Delany, Head of Program, Blood Gas and Electrolytes.  “This new version of software is one part of our systematic response to customer requests on how diagnostics can integrate into and improve patient care pathways.”

Up to four parameters can be trended not only in percentage of change, but also against absolute values. This means that a graphical plot can be used to monitor disease progression. Upper and lower critical limits can be user defined for each parameter. Onboard patient trending helps healthcare providers to monitor the progress of their patient’s condition during the course of treatment.

User defined panels and innovative quality control

In order to provide the user with the option to perfectly tailor the range of tests to everyday needs in a point of care situation, the new software is equipped with panels that can be modified by authorized users. It is possible to define up to four different panels, increasing not only usability but also allowing control over billable parameters for the hospital.
Finally the software means improvement in terms of quality control.  “The user will get more rapid information on the QC performance”, said Charles Delany,  “The access to QC data is easier, the information is presented more clearly, the time to ready after QC failure is shortened. QC setup is supported by a step by step guidance. This reduces training needs.’”

About Roche
Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is one of the world’s leading research-focused healthcare groups in the fields of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. As the world’s biggest biotech company and an innovator of products and services for the early detection, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, the Group contributes on a broad range of fronts to improving people’s health and quality of life. Roche is the world leader in in-vitro diagnostics and drugs for cancer and transplantation, and is a market leader in virology. It is also active in other major therapeutic areas such as autoimmune diseases, inflammatory and metabolic disorders and diseases of the central nervous system. In 2007 sales by the Pharmaceuticals Division totalled 36.8 billion Swiss francs, and the Diagnostics Division posted sales of 9.3 billion francs. Roche has R&D agreements and strategic alliances with numerous partners, including majority ownership interests in Genentech and Chugai, and invested over 8 billion Swiss francs in R&D in 2007. Worldwide, the Group employs about 79,000 people. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.roche.com.

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