Masimo Launches Tool for Noninvasive Total Hemoglobin
Masimo announced the launch of a new tool that allows for continuous monitoring of total hemoglobin (SpHb) and oxygen content (SpOC) noninvasively. This system is incorporated into Masimo’s existing Rainbow SET platform. Launch of the system was described on the Masimo website.
This provides an improved means to test hemoglobin more conveniently across healthcare, including both acute and outpatient settings. Testing is completed instantaneously and is not painful for patients.
The product is still pending regulatory clearance with the Food and Drug Administration. The company expects to begin delivering the tool to select customers during the second half of 2008.
One potential application of the system is while patients are receiving blood transfusions. Continuous monitoring during transfusion can allow clinicians to maintain hemoglobin within the desired levels, as well as titrate blood being transfused. Another application of the system is for early warning of internal hemorrhage in critical care settings
Hemoglobin measurement is an important clinical assessment. Data indicates that over 350 million tests for such were completed last year in the United States. Conventional evaluation methods entail needle sticks to procure blood specimens, which are evaluated in the laboratory. This method is more time consuming to complete and also delays when data is available for related clinical decision-making.
March 25, 2008 Related topics: Product Launches, Monitoring, Diagnostic