• CAS Medical Systems (Branford, Connecticut) said that regulators approved a labeling expansion for its Fore-Sight Cerebral Oximeter so it can be used on all patients, including infants that weigh less than 2.5 kilograms. The device detects oxygen-saturation changes in brain tissue, "allowing clinicians to quickly react to reverse potentially harmful events before they become critical," the company said. The new labeling will allow for monitoring of smaller newborns at risk for intra-ventricular hemorrhage, central apnea and seizures.

• Nanosphere (Northbrook, Illinois) has applied to the FDA to run its flu and respiratory syncytial virus test on its Verigene SP system. The Verigene system provides "sample-to-result" automation, according to a company statement. Samples are taken for the system, processed at the same site, and results are delivered in a few hours. The Verigene SP will provide automated sample-to-result molecular diagnostics capabilities in a multiplexed, random-access, modular system utilizing the same imaging technology as the first generation Verigene, allowing for complimentary or stand alone integration into both molecular and microbiology laboratories. Nanosphere is a molecular diagnostic company that makes genetic and protein tests.

• Siemens Healthcare (Mountain View, California) is now shipping its syngo US Workplace, Release 3.5, an intuitive, off-the-system workstation solution that delivers advanced applications for improved clinical workflow and patient care. Siemens says the release offers comprehensive capabilities for cardiology, general imaging, OB/GYN, and vascular screening, including the syngo Arterial Health Package (AHP) for semi-automated carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurements. The syngo US Workplace 3.5 is an image management platform that supports instant and open access to DICOM-compliant images produced by ultrasound systems.