Abbott has obtained approval from US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its inpatient blood glucose monitoring system, called FreeStyle Precision Pro Blood Glucose and Beta-Ketone Monitoring System, which provides test results in real time to hospitals.
It is claimed to be the only technology of its kind to use individually foil-wrapped test strips, which reduces the risk of test strip cross-contamination of blood and bacteria.
Through the hospital’s Wi-Fi-enabled network, the device enables dual band wireless communication between the handheld meter at the patient bedside and the hospital information system.
This helps in sending test reports directly to hospital staff in real time, which enables them to take effective decisions on patient treatment.
Abbott diabetes care senior vice president Heather L Mason noted that the FreeStyle Precision Pro Blood Glucose and Beta-Ketone Monitoring System represents a significant step forward by the company in providing tools to improve the way hospitals manage their patients’ glucose levels.
"It makes the data available in real time, thanks to the meter’s new wireless capabilities. With its individually foil-wrapped test strips, the system is also designed to help reduce test strip cross-contamination in hospital environments," Mason added.
As per the FDA standards, devices need to be cleaned and disinfected after each use and this system conforms to this requirement – the device offers a replaceable strip port that can be removed and replaced on-site.
In addition, the system features a new algorithm that corrects hematocrit interference.
With its new 2D barcode technology, the system also enhances the accuracy in patient identification.