NEW ON-SITE CONSULTING ROOM BLOOD TESTING DEVICE TO BENEFIT PATIENTS
For the first time in South Africa, patients can soon avoid the long wait for blood test results
A new blood testing device, which will soon be available in South Africa, will enable doctors to have their own “small laboratory”, enabling them to conduct over 20 different tests on patients and review immediate results while they wait. Instead of blood samples being sent away to a laboratory, and the patient having to be called with the results a few days later, this new system will enable the doctor to conduct the tests, obtain the results, and discuss the results with the patient, all within the same consultation.
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Called the S40, this system is being launched in South Africa through a collaboration between local company Batswadi Pharmaceuticals and leading Japanese global electronics company Hitachi through a new division called PHVC (Personal Healthcare Venture Company). This is the first international launch of the S40 in South Africa.
For patients with lifestyle related diseases who visit their doctors once a month or more, this new device will enable them to be tested and treated within the same consultation. Many elderly patients may find visiting their doctor or hospital a burden. This system will enable them to be tested on-site and may avoid extra or unnecessary follow up appointments. For children with certain diseases, whose status can change rapidly, the S40 means that tests can be done within a consultation and the diagnosis explained there and then to the parents.
“We’re very excited about this ground breaking global partnership. For South African patients, it will mean improved patient outcomes and care, and for doctors, it will be a tool to allow faster and more efficient diagnosis and treatment options,” says Christopher Whitfield , Chief Executive Officer of Batswadi Pharmaceuticals. “Above all else, this partnership will further increase Africa’s access to innovation”.
Hitachi, a company which sees itself as “contributing to society through technology”, has a well established global reputation for the manufacture of advanced equipment, systems and services in the area of life sciences, including advanced medical science.
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“Hitachi is pleased to contribute to the society and people in South Africa by working together with Batswadi, and by introducing the Hitachi Clinical Analyzer S-40 into the country”, comments Hiroshi Mitsumaki, President & CEO of Hitachi.
The advantages of this system, for both the doctor and the patient, are numerous. The entire process takes about 15 minutes, from commencing the test to obtaining the results. It is very easy to operate, and simply involves setting the sample, setting the disposable reagent cartridges, pressing start and reading the results. It provides an excellent fit in a doctor’s room as it is compact and does not involve complex laboratory equipment (the size of the device is approximately 55 cm in width, 60cm in depth and 45cm in height).
In addition, it enables the doctor to test the patient for a battery of tests, including glucose, albumin, liver and kidney function, thyroid and metabolic disorder tests. Due to the technical advances of the machine, it also involves low maintenance and upkeep, with daily maintenance requiring less than five minutes per day.
A number of performance assessments have been conducted on this equipment, with this Wet Chemistry System being proven to deliver exceptionally accurate results. Test results from the S40 have been shown to correlate with those results obtained on the same tests in large clinical analyzers in laboratories.
Furthermore, each device is equipped with new applications which will enable different tests to be added to its capability each year.
About Batswadi Pharmaceuticals
Batswadi Pharmaceuticals (PTY) Ltd is a newly established black empowered,
innovative company with a focus on biotechnology, founded to leverage
the unmet needs of the South African pharmaceutical market.
Founded in 2006 by CEO, Christopher Whitfield, Batswadi (meaning parent in Tswana) aims to increase Africa’s access to innovative products, diagnostics, devices and services. To ensure that it achieves these aims, it has entered into strategic partnerships with key players that will not only see it deliver economic benefits to its shareholders but simultaneously increase the African people’s access to innovative products and technologies.
Its four core business units: pharmaceutical sales, biotechnology, clinical research, Diagnostics and consumer health, are staffed by a team of highly skilled individuals who are dedicated to ensuring the highest levels of excellence in the execution of its strategic intent.
Batswadi partners with the world’s leading biotechnology companies to bring cutting edge, life saving products and technologies to Africa. It focuses on the areas of Cancer, Diabetes Care, Metabolic disease, Heart Disease, Rheumatology and other rare diseases. Through its many partnerships, the company is able to ensure increased access to technology that was previously unattainable. For more information, contact Batswadi Pharmaceuticals on 011 267 2200.
About Hitachi, Ltd:
Hitachi, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics
company with approximately 356,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2005 (ended
March 31, 2006) consolidated sales totalled 9,464 billion yen ($80.9
billion). The company offers a wide range of systems, products and services
in market sectors including information systems, electronic devices,
power and industrial systems, consumer products, materials and financial
services. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's
website at http://www.hitachi.com.