EKF Launches Middleware Connectivity Solution for POC Analyzers and Data Management

New EKF Link flexible, open solution can be securely interfaced to any vendor’s POC analyzers

EKF Link offers connectivity at the point-of-care

Cardiff, UK – 31st May 2022 – EKF Diagnostics, the global in vitro diagnostics company, announces the launch of its new EKF Link digital connectivity solution for the secure management of point-of-care (POC) analyzers and associated data on one centralized platform. An open, flexible solution, EKF Link middleware can be interfaced to all vendors’ POC analyzers, including EKF’s own portfolio, to enable real-time remote management of data, such as patient test results, QC results, operator management and analyzer configuration.
 
EKF’s portfolio of POC diagnostic devices includes Hemo Control and DiaSpect Tm hemoglobin analyzer ranges, as well as Quo-Lab and Quo-Test HbA1c analyzers. All of these can now be digitally connected from anywhere and securely accessed remotely at any time using EKF Link, thereby enhancing their capabilities.
 
EKF Link is a downloadable software package that allows POC analyzers to connect to a hospital or laboratory’s IT system, enabling data transfer from these remote analyzers for subsequent processing. This provides hospitals, laboratories and clinicians with the functionality to manage and evaluate their patient and operator data easily and securely.
 
Due to its simple set-up, intuitive interface and user-friendly graphics, EKF Link can be successfully implemented in multiple situations wherever POC analyzers are deployed. For example, in addition to hospitals and laboratories, the flexible connectivity solution can also be used effectively in doctor’s offices, clinics, pharmacies and blood banks.
 
Safely and securely connecting POC analyzers via EKF Link enhances their functionality. As it can network multiple analyzers, EKF Link provides the functionality for the remote configuration and status checking of them all from one central location. With just a few clicks, remote operators can capture patient information, perform a QC test, lock-out unauthorized users and transfer information directly into the LIMS. In addition, test results can be reviewed in tables and charts to check integrity and report management functions enable these results to be exported as PDF or CSV files.
 
EKF Link’s advanced architecture maximizes its flexibility, enabling it to be installed wherever it is needed - on a PC, or a central server (Physical or Virtual). Data can be securely accessed by authorized users via most web browsers (e.g., Google Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox) using a security protocol without requiring the installation of an additional module. EKF Link can bidirectionally communicate using all key protocols, including HL7, LIS2A and POCT1A, and is only limited by the capabilities of the instruments to which it is connected.
 
“We designed EKF Link working together with hospital POC managers to ensure that our new middleware connectivity solution would meet their specific needs for a single, comprehensive and flexible platform to centrally manage all of their POC analyzers plus data generated,” said Jo Nicol, Head of IT Solutions, EKF Diagnostics. “Our new EKF Link software delivers this essential digital connectivity with traceability that is increasingly required for safe, secure and effective POC testing using analyzers in many differing locations.”
 
For more information about EKF Diagnostics and its EKF Link offering connectivity at the point-of-care, please visit https://www.ekfdiagnostics.com/ekf-link.html, follow @EKFdiagnostics on twitter, or follow EKF Diagnostics on LinkedIn.

About EKF Diagnostics www.ekfdiagnostics.com or www.ekfusa.com
EKF Diagnostics Holdings plc, which includes the EKF Diagnostics, Stanbio Laboratory and DiaSpect brands, specializes in the development, production and worldwide distribution of point-of-care analyzers for use in the detection and management of diabetes and anemia, and also in sports and maternal medicine. EKF products are sold in more than 100 countries around the globe, through a network of specialist distributors.
Point-of-care diagnostics: EKF Diagnostics designs and manufactures world-class diagnostic devices, as well as distributing rapid test kits for infectious diseases and pregnancy. The EKF analyzer range is used widely in GP surgeries, pharmacies, blood banks, sports clinics, hospitals and laboratories for glucose, lactate, hemoglobin, hematocrit and HbA1c measurement.
Central laboratory: EKF, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Stanbio Laboratory (Boerne, Texas, USA), manufactures a comprehensive range of clinical chemistry reagents, as well as associated analyzers. In addition, EKF Life Sciences (Elkhart, Indiana, USA) manufactures enzymes used in reagent development and also provides contract fermentation facilities.
COVID-19 testing: EKF also sells a range of COVID-19 testing products, including: PrimeStore MTM, an FDA-approved and CE marked sample containment device that allows the safe handling, transportation and analysis of test swabs and samples, which it manufactures under license; and COVID-SeroKlir, a leading ELISA-based antibody test from Kantaro Biosciences that provides a precise quantitative measurement of COVID-19 IgG antibodies.