Diametrics Medical and Agilent Technologies unveil point of care diagnostics information management system

Diametrics Medical Inc. and Agilent Technologies Inc. recently announced a point of care diagnostics (POCD) information management system at the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, National Teaching Institute.

This POCD information management system involves the integration and storage of data into the portable IRMA POCD instrument, or integrated into an Agilent multiparameter monitor by a Vuelink connection. Information includes patient test, date and time, operator and patient ID, oxygenation parameters and quality control (QC) results.

Data can be uploaded from the care unit (or remote locations) through various connectivity options (Ethernet network, serial, modem or a combination) into the IRMA Data Management System (IDMS).

IDMS applications enable the POCD program manager to oversee several POCD programs that span many care units. IDMS allows control of the POCD program from a central location, contributing to the overall efficiency of the clinical laboratory and information technology staffs, thereby lowering operating costs. The electronic process creates a "paperless" POCD program, eliminating manual recordkeeping of log sheets; transcriptions; and files on device, operator, test results, and quality control compliance. IDMS has electronic features that capture and organize POCD information, thereby simplifying documentation in preparation for regulatory inspections.

IDMS also serves as a gateway to host systems, using automatic customized interfacing to upload patient test data to laboratory, clinical and hospital information systems.

Agilent's team of POCD implementation and support specialists operate as one unit to design, implement and maintain an integrated POCD program.

"Agilent and Diametrics designed this comprehensive program with considerable input from point of care program managers around the world," said David Giddings, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Diametrics Medical Inc. "The result was the creation of very thorough POCD information management offerings."

Agilent is the exclusive worldwide distributor for IDMS. IDMS is produced by Diametrics Medical, Inc.

About Agilent's Healthcare Solutions Group

Agilent's Healthcare Solutions Group is a worldwide leader in clinical measurement and diagnostic solutions for the healthcare industry. The group has 5,000 employees and had revenues of more than $1.4 billion in its 2000 fiscal year.

Information about Agilent's Healthcare Solutions Group can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com/healthcare .

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. is a global technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and healthcare. With 48,000 employees serving customers in more than 120 countries, Agilent had net revenue of $10.8 billion in fiscal year 2000. Information about Agilent can be found on the web at www.agilent.com.

About Diametrics Medical

Diametrics Medical, Inc. is a leader in critical care technology. The company is dedicated to creating solutions that improve the quality of healthcare delivery through products and services that provide immediate, accurate and cost-effective time critical blood and tissue diagnostics. Additional information is available at the company's website, www.diametrics.com.

Source: Diametrics Medical Inc. and Agilent Technologies Inc.

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