EPOC™ is a complete, efficient, user-friendly, and cost effective patient-side blood testing system. The system is comprised of blood test cards based on Epocal’s proprietary adaptation of smart card technology and low cost card readers which are wirelessly connected to hand-held PDAs.
TEST CARDS
EPOC™ test cards are single-use bar code identified units containing a biosensor array, calibration solution and fluidics. Test cards generate electrochemical assay signals and quality control signals which are read by detectors in the card reader.
The first test card offered for the EPOC™ System is a general purpose blood gas and electrolyte panel consisting of the following:
- measured analytes: pH , pCO2 , pO2 , Na , K , iCa , Hct
- calculated values: HCO3 , TCO2 , Base Excess, sO2 , Hb
CARD READER
Upon insertion of a test card, the EPOC™ card reader scans the card’s bar code, initiates sensor calibration and provides thermal control of the assay. The card reader’s primary function is to read the raw electrochemical signals and quality control signals from the test card and to convert them to a digitized wireless transmission format.
HOST COMPUTER
The EPOC™ host computer, a PDA, receives the transmitted signals from one or more card readers. Quality control signals are assessed by the host to ensure conforming operation of the system. Raw electrochemical signals are converted by the host to analytical values. The host associates the test results and reader ID with a patient ID and user ID – scanned or manually entered – to complete the test record. The complete test record is available through the host computer interface and is wirelessly transmittable for further reporting, analysis, and data archiving.
| Insert card to begin test and calibration. | Obtain sample and inject anytime within 5 minutes. | Results available in 30 seconds. |