Six reasons to adopt point-of-care immunoassay testing

Radiometer has over 50 years’ experience in the development of high-quality blood gas analysers for POC testing, and has used this expertise to develop the AQT90 FLEX immunoassay analyser. Combining laboratory-based analytical techniques with innovative dry-chemistry technology, the AQT90 FLEX offers a straightforward solution that meets the needs of the POC market.

Laboratory technology in a compact format
The dry-chemistry concept of the AQT90 FLEX uses a standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-type sandwich technique while eliminating the need for manual pipetting of individual assay components All the assay-specific reagents necessary, including capture antibodies, tracer antibodies, co-factors and stabilisers, are dry-coated into individually sealed, disposable measurement cups. These are prepacked into sealed cartridges, each containing 16 cups and a desiccant pouch to ensure reagent stability, which can be loaded directly on the analyser.

Straightforward logistics and safe sample handling
The compact AQT90 FLEX is quick and convenient to use in a POC setting. The closed-loop system of the AQT90 FLEX avoids the risk of needlestick injuries by allowing staff to load closed primary sample tubes on the instrument for fully automated processing and analysis. Each assay is performed in a single measurement cup, with the required buffer automatically dispensed from a sealed reagent pack which can be loaded directly on the analyser. Following analysis, used measurement cups are transferred to a sealed waste compartment in the reagent pack, eliminating the need for staff to handle waste materials. This innovative system makes the AQT90 FLEX one of the first immunoassay analysers to use closed primary sample tubes, and, with a sealed reagent pack, the operator never comes into contact with the blood sample.