EZ CHEMTM on site blood analyzer of kidney function
Evaluating a patient's kidney function can help determine their ability to safely receive IV contrast including gadolinium prior to CT and MR imaging procedures. This is an important precaution especially for patients with risk factors such as diabetes, known kidney impairment, and advanced age especially in the wake of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. Currently, such blood tests must be sent to a lab before the patient can undergo a CT or MRI procedure, a time-consuming step that can cause delays in busy radiology departments. E-Z-EM, Inc. a leading manufacturer of contrast agents for gastrointestinal radiology announced the release of the company's new EZ CHEMTM blood analyzer. The blood analyzer is a convenient device used in detecting blood creatinine levels in patients prior to CT and MRI. The FDA cleared the technology in May 2007. EZ CHEMTM performs a simple test for assessing kidney function in the imaging room and produces results in as little as 30 seconds. The device analyzes a finger prick sample of blood for levels of creatinine which is an important indicator of a patient's renal function. Such blood values are often required to determine a patient's kidney function before IV contrast agents are administered. This new technology may not help current victims of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, but for radiologists the release is welcome news
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