US-based Critical Diagnostics has unveiled its Aspect-LF ST2 test, a point-of-care version of its lab-based Presage ST2 Assay.
Aspect-LF will be made available throughout Europe and select Asia-Pacific countries later 2013.
Aspect-LF is a disposable cartridge, based on lateral flow technology that uses finger-stick whole blood for qualitatively measuring ST2.
Results take approximately 20 minutes, enabling physicians to receive vital information on a patient's heart failure disease status while still in the doctor's office or clinic -- which can aid greatly in treatment decisions.
ST2 has been included in the new 2013 ACC/AHA update to the Guideline For Management of Heart Failure, receiving an 'A', the highest classification for the body of evidence supporting its recommendation as, 'not only predictive of hospitalization and death in patients with heart failure but also additive to natriuretic peptide levels in [its] prognostic value'.
Critical Diagnostics CEO David Geliebter noted the company is committed to helping physicians improve and prolong the lives of the millions of people suffering from heart failure.
"Aspect-LF is a fine example of how we are fulfilling that pledge, and is just one new creation in a lineup of innovative cardiac care diagnostic products slated to be released by the company over the next year," Geliebter added.
