Newswise — Cardiff, UK – 13th February 2015 – EKF Diagnostics, the global diagnostics company, announces that it has introduced a new diabetic biomarker test that provides a 2-3 week indicator of average blood glucose. The Stanbio Chemistry Glycated Serum Protein (GSP) LiquiColor® test closes the information gap between daily blood glucose testing and the 2-3 month HbA1c reading. This means that GSP serves as an accurate intermediate marker of glycemia in instances where HbA1c may be of limited value, such as pregnancy, reduced RBC lifespan and hemodialysis.1
EKF’s new Stanbio GSP assay, based on a double enzymatic degradation method, provides superior specificity, accuracy and reliability compared to the older non-enzymatic fructosamine NBT method. This is because the GSP LiquiColor test utilizes the specificity of fructosyl-amino oxidase to eliminate inaccuracies caused by non-glycated protein reducing substances which significantly interfere with the NBT fructosamine method.
Measuring HbA1c and GSP together offers improved diagnostic accuracy and management of diabetic patients by more reliably predicting complications of diabetes, including nephropathy and retinopathy. This is also backed up by scientific studies that suggest that combining GSP results with HbA1c measurements provides a better assessment of long term risk of diabetic complications.2, 3
The new open-channel enzymatic GSP LiquiColor test is convenient and cost effective. Available as a liquid-stable kit and calibrator, it is suitable to use on a variety of clinical chemistry analyzers, with on-board stability of up to four weeks.
“GSP can provide a helpful supplement to glucose and HbA1c testing, when assessing glycemic control for the management of diabetic patients, especially in cases where HbA1c may be inaccurate,” commented Al Blanco, Business Unit Director, Central Laboratory, EKF Diagnostics. “GSP bridges the glycation gap, which is the difference between actual measured HbA1c and predicted HbA1c from glycated serum protein, to provide improved prediction of diabetic complications.”
For more information about the Stanbio Chemistry Glycated Serum Protein (GSP) LiquiColor® test, see http://www.ekfdiagnostics.com/Diabetes_Care_805.aspx
References:1. Peacock, T.P. et al. Comparison of glycated albumin and hemoglobin A1c levels in diabetic subjects on hemodialysis. Kidney International, 73: 1062-1068, 2008.2. Freeman, B.I. et al. Glycated albumin and risk of death and hospitalizations in diabetic dialysis patients. Clinical Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 6; 1-9, 2011.3. Rodriguez-Segade, S. et al. Progression of nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetes: The Glycation Gap is a significant predictor after adjustment for glycolhemoglobin (HbA1c). Clinical Chemistry, 57-2, 264-271, 2011.
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Editors’ notesAbout EKF Diagnostics - www.ekfdiagnostics.com EKF Diagnostics Holdings plc, which includes the EKF Diagnostics, EKF Molecular, Stanbio Laboratory, Separation Technology Inc., DiaSpect and Selah Genomics brands, specializes in the development, production and worldwide distribution of point-of-care blood analyzers for use in the detection and management of diabetes, anemia, lactate and kidney related diseases. Its new molecular division, EKF Molecular Diagnostics, focuses on technology used within the development of companion diagnostics, specifically within oncology. 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. In addition, EKF Life Sciences (Elkhart, Indiana, USA) manufactures enzymes used in reagent development and also provides contract fermentation facilities.
Molecular Diagnostics: In March 2013 EKF set up a new division to focus on molecular and companion diagnostics following the acquisition of UK-based 360 Genomics. EKF Molecular Diagnostics’ technology, PointMan™, is capable of detecting mutant genes from tiny biopsy and blood samples and has recently entered a partnership with the world renowned cancer research center at Massachusetts General Hospital, USA.
EKF Diagnostics’ strengths lie in its multi-national research and manufacturing facilities, teams of experienced analysts and engineers in Germany, Ireland, USA and the UK, and a board led by some of world’s foremost authorities in medical diagnostics.
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