OrSense launches a non-invasive Hb measurement system for anemia screening

Oct 27 2009

OrSense Ltd., developer of monitors for non-invasive measurements of various blood parameters, announced today at the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) Annual Meeting & TXPO, at New Orleans, the presentation of NBM-200, a non-invasive hemoglobin (Hb) measurement system for anemia screening in blood donation centers. The Company presented results showing that Hb measurements obtained by the NBM-200 showed accurate performance compared with invasive point of care (POC) devices.

Hemoglobin (Hb) measurements allow the detection of anemia and hemorrhage, and are widely used by hospital wards such as operation rooms, ICU, ER and delivery rooms. In blood donation centers, a predonation Hb measurement of blood donors is required by most countries to protect anemic donors, and to ensure adequate Hb content of blood units. The determination of Hb levels of prospective blood donors is usually performed using capillary blood obtained by finger pricking, rendering current Hb screening methods invasive, painful, time consuming and labor intensive.

A non-invasive Hb measurement has many advantages including the prevention of pain and potential transmission of infectious diseases, a reduced need for trained personnel, a relatively short measurement time, and the absence of bio-hazardous waste. NBM-200 offers a unique, breakthrough, non-invasive solution for accurate and quick Hb measurements. The device operates via a ring-shaped sensor that is fitted on the donor's finger and applies pressure, temporarily occluding local blood flow. During the occlusion, optical elements in the sensor perform a sensitive measurement of the light transmitted through the finger. This method, called Occlusion Spectroscopy, provides a quick, accurate and painless measurement of the donor's blood constituents, while greatly improving the donor's comfort, eliminating infection risk, and providing the medical staff with accurate readings and immediate results.

"We are proud to introduce our truly revolutionary solution for non-invasive Hb screening for use in blood banks, which has demonstrated comparable performance to that of invasive POC devices," said Lior D. Ma'ayan, CEO of OrSense. "Our novel non-invasive oximetry and hemoglobin monitor, which was introduced earlier this year in Europe, addresses markets that represent annual revenue opportunities of over $U.S. 2 billion. The product will be submitted for FDA review in the coming months."

SOURCE OrSense Ltd.,