Siemens Unveils Innovation ‘Power’ for the Clinical Laboratory at 2011 AACC and ASCLS

Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics is showcasing a broad spectrum of products from its clinical diagnostics portfolio at the 2011 AACC and ASCLS Annual Meetings and Clinical Lab Expo in Atlanta, Georgia, July 24 – July 28, 2011 (Booth #1605).The exhibit – themed “Innovation. Powered by You.” – reflects how Siemens puts the power of innovation in its customers’ hands and features an in-depth display of innovative systems and adaptable automation options, promising assays, next-generation diagnostic IT products, and new customer care solutions.

New Instruments and Adaptable Automation Solutions

At the booth, visitors can discover Siemens’ latest system options, including the new IMMULITE® 2000 XPi Immunoassay System, a continuous, random-access analyzer that includes enhanced hardware and software features, as well as the Dimension® EXL™ 200 Integrated Chemistry System. This newest addition to the Dimension family of analyzers provides lower-volume laboratories with access to LOCI® Advanced Chemiluminescence Technology on a trusted, proven integrated platform.

Attendees can also learn about the RAPIDPoint® 500 Blood Gas Analyzer2, a cartridge-based, easy-to-use, maintenance-free solution designed to satisfy the unique demands of point-of-care-testing.

Siemens is also displaying its unique, intelligent sample management solution, VersaCell® System, which helps create specific, needs-based workstations between multiple analyzers. VersaCell System’s analyzer connectivity options recently expanded to include the Dimension EXL 200, Dimension EXL with LM, and Dimension® RxL Max® systems. With this connectivity, the system can now combine two Dimension EXL systems or a Dimension EXL system with either an ADVIA Centaur® system or an IMMULITE® immunoassay system.

Information also is available about the company’s ADVIA® LabCell® and StreamLAB® automation solutions. These systems deliver a wide range of throughput and lab-configuration requirements, with expanded features such as the Refrigerated Storage Module for the StreamLAB system with automated sample archiving – from tray tracking to full automation.

Promising Assays

Additionally, the Siemens exhibit at AACC demonstrates the company’s capabilities in uncovering promising assays developed to help clinicians improve patient care. Interactive touch screens located centrally in the booth allow visitors to explore Siemens extensive portfolio of assays, such as the ADVIA Centaur® Vitamin D Total assay3, which measures 25(OH) vitamin D2 and D3, as well as new immunoassays for HIV antibodies, thyroid disease, and ovarian, breast, and pancreatic cancers.

Visitors can also learn about the recently FDA-cleared LOCI® TPSA and FPSA assays for the Dimension Vista® Intelligent Lab system, which allow laboratories to consolidate PSA testing on a single platform. These are the only PSA assays on the market to employ LOCI technology for the quantitative measurement of total prostate-specific antigen (TPSA) and free prostate-specific antigen (FPSA). Also available is the latest information on Siemens’ new hemostasis technologies that help to streamline laboratory workflow.

Diagnostics IT

The show is also serving as an important stage for the latest in Siemens diagnostic IT solutions. The new syngo® Lab Data Manager offers advanced data management capabilities including autoverification, quality control, and simplified connectivity to lab instruments, the laboratory information system (LIS), automation and remote services. Also featured is the newest version of ADVIA CentraLink® Data Management System, delivering several advantages including automation synchronization for process efficiency, expanded connectivity to multiple LIS and realtime connectivity to Bio-Rad QC services, and enhanced workflow with real-time visibility into sample counts.

Laboratories’ continuing focus on cost efficiency and quality also reinforces the need for a new category of IT—process management which integrates process control with data management to deliver real-time information that can prompt proactive action. Now in development, Siemens syngo® Lab Process Manager intends to make this vision a reality.

Additionally, visitors can learn about the newest version (27.0) of NOVIUS® Lab System4, an award-winning rules-based laboratory information system (LIS) which supports meaningful use criteria as defined as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Also important to see is the latest Siemens Patient Identification Check4 which provides quick and accurate identification of specimens or transfusions, safeguarding blood product administration.

Customer Care

The booth also includes dedicated space for Siemens’ Customer Care portfolio, which includes a comprehensive offering of expert support and services, customized educational programs, and innovative workflow solutions. Siemens’ Personalized Education Plan (PEP)5 is the only fully customized, competency-based education software in the diagnostics industry built on knowledge, skills and job-specific laboratory responsibilities that can be accessed anywhere, anytime.

Presentations and Workshops

In addition to the booth exhibit, Siemens is hosting the following industry-sponsored workshops, as well as a number of in-booth presentations.
Industry-Sponsored Workshops:
· Vitamin D Best Practices: Overcoming Testing Challenges Around the World
Tuesday, July 26, 7:00 am–8:30 am, Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel, Imperial Ballroom–Salon A
· HIV Testing in Urban Settings
Wednesday, July 27, 7:00 am–8:30 am, Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel, Imperial Ballroom–Salon B

For more information about Siemens at the 2011 AACC and ASCLS Annual Meetings and Clinical Lab Expo, please visit the company article page.