Abaxis Medical Piccolo Xpress Portable Blood Analyzer

The science of medicine depends on the consistency and accuracy of laboratory tests that can be repeated over time. We can be part of the science by using proper technique in drawing blood samples and transporting them to the lab for analysis. But mostàœEMS systems aren’t CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) certified and can’t get reimbursed through Medicare for these services. The new Piccolo xpress Portable Blood Analyzer from Abaxis Medical allows you to perform blood tests at the patient’s side by using a number of CLIA-waived panels on lipids, liver and general chemistry. This shoebox-sized, touch-screen, self-calibrated, automatic instrument needs only 0.1 cc of blood, which is placed in a patented 8 cm, single-use plastic disc containing liquid diluent and dry reagents. The disc is then placed in the analyzer drawer where centrifugal and capillary forces are used to mix the reagents and sample in the disc. The Piccolo xpress monitors the reagent reactions simultaneously using nine wavelengths, calculates the results from the absorbance data and reports the results in approximately 12 minutes.