The U.S. point-of-care testing distribution subsidiary of Quest Diagnostics--HemoCue, Inc.--has struck a deal with Medical Automation Systems (MAS) for the development of a RALS-Plus module for the HemoCue 201 DM analyzer whole blood systems for hemoglobin and glucose point-of-care measurement. The interface promises to allow users of the analyzers to automatically manage, report and electronically transfer patient hemoglobin and glucose data to the RALS-Plus database and to a hospital's laboratory information system.

Bringing laboratory-quality results closer to the patient means arming healthcare providers with point-of-care diagnostic insights to address a patient's immediate health concerns. "When these insights are automatically transmitted to the hospital's laboratory information system, their value extends far beyond a single episode of care and to the longer term care and well-being of the patient," says  Jon R. Cohen, M.D., Quest Diagnostics Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer.

With roughly half of HemoCue products sold outside the U.S., the company is a leading global provider in point-of-care testing for hemoglobin, with a growing market share for glucose, urine-albumin and white blood cell testing. HemoCue 201 DM systems support doctors with faster data availability and enhanced quality control, including prompts for information, such as operator identification and lot number. The system's tracking features are designed to add efficiencies to the billing process and to support healthcare providers' efforts to meet quality compliance standards.

The RALS-Plus enhancement promises to add the leading connectivity system for point-of-care testing to the HemoCue 201 DM system, which is used by approximately half of U.S. hospitals. With the RALS-Plus for the HemoCue DM system, healthcare providers will be able to view all downloaded results, display all flagged results, electronically manage system operators by device, and run and send weekly and monthly reports.

The HemoCue handheld systems are used in physician's offices, blood banks, hospitals, diabetes clinics and public health clinics. The company plans to introduce the hospital connectivity feature in the fall.