Nova Biomedical, Waltham, Mass, has introduced a new test for its Stat Profile Prime Plus critical care analyzer with the ability to calculate and report estimated plasma volume (ePV), which is the amount of intravascular fluid minus red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. ePV is an important test for critically ill patients but one that has been very difficult to obtain. The plasma volume status of a patient is one of the top priorities in evaluating and treating many different conditions including shock, sepsis, congestive heart failure, acute or chronic kidney disease, chronic pulmonary disease, as well as general postoperative care.
The Stat Profile Prime Plus analyzer has both measured hemoglobin and measured hematocrit (along with blood gases, electrolytes, metabolites, and co-oximetry), and is uniquely capable of reporting ePV using the commonly used Strauss equation, which requires measured hemoglobin and measured hematocrit.
The Prime Plus performs the Strauss ePV calculation and provides both trend data and delta values. With the addition of ePV, Prime Plus now helps clinicians assess patient intravascular volume, acid base balance, blood oxygenation, oxygen carrying capacity of blood, tissue hypoxia, electrolyte balance, kidney function, and glucose control in one minute from two drops of blood.
For more information, visit Nova Biomedical.
