Afinion™ multiparameter desktop analyser

Axis-Shield UK has introduced Afinion™, a multiparameter desktop analyser for use at point of care. This new approach to near patient testing is well suited to multi-user environments, such as community clinics, where rapid test results are required and laboratory professionals are not always available. Afinion is extremely easy to operate. Simply insert a cartridge and use the colour touchscreen display. It also requires only minimal maintenance. Each Afinion test cartridge contains an integrated sample collection device and all the necessary reagents for one single analysis.  In contrast to many of the other POC systems currently available on the market, Afinion is a real multi-assay analyser, which will offer a wide range of tests on a single system.

The first two tests to be launched on Afinion are glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and C-reactive protein (CRP). HbA1c is used for monitoring of diabetes and is the parameter of choice for long-term glycaemic (blood sugar) control. Afinion will provide a result automatically in just three minutes, offering a real time saving to the busy healthcare professional. CRP is used as a diagnostic tool for differentiation between viral and bacterial infections. A rapid CRP test is valuable in avoiding the prescription of antibiotics if an infection is likely to have a viral cause.

Future tests will include markers for control of anticoagulant therapy, prediction of cardiovascular risk, diagnosis of kidney disease and other areas where rapid test results will improve patient management.