• Correlagen Diagnostics (Waltham, Massachusetts) reported that it is offering a genetic test for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). HCM is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in children and young adults and accounts for 40% of all deaths on athletic playing fields across the U.S. HCM, characterized by a thickening of the heart muscle, is caused by a defect in one of several genes and can lead to severe problems including heart failure, stroke, or sudden death. While there is no cure for HCM, early diagnosis allows timely initiation of lifestyle changes and medical interventions that can delay disease progression and reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death. Many HCM patients benefit from beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators or ICDs. Since HCM is an inherited disease, it can be diagnosed through genetic testing, which can confirm a diagnosis in patients with unclear symptoms. Correlagen Diagnostics’ HCM sequencing test requires only a cheek swab or a small blood sample from the patient. Physicians send the sample and the completed medical and insurance forms directly to Correlagen, where the patient’s DNA is extracted and analyzed. Correlagen’s automated testing processes allow for detection of disease-causing mutations in the genes known to be associated with most cases of familial HCM. Mutations detected in the genes are evaluated in the context of the current scientific literature, and a comprehensive report is prepared to help a patient’s physician understand and explain the results of DNA sequencing to the patient. Correlagen Diagnostics makes genetic testing services.

• The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (Geneva, Switzerland) and Dade Behring (Deerfield, Illinois) introduced a next-generation D-dimer coagulation test, Innovance D-dimer, in Europe, Canada, and the Middle East and Asia Pacific regions. The company also anticipates introducing a similar test in the U.S. in the future. The Innovance D-dimer test has a validated sensitivity for exclusion of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism conditions associated with blood clots in the human circulatory system. The test benefits clinical laboratories of all types and sizes because it is a fully automated test that can be run on multiple coagulation systems offered through Dade Behring. “By using a simple blood test to help diagnose a patient with a possible blood clot, physicians are able to more quickly initiate proper treatment,” said Jim Reid-Anderson, president/CEO, Dade Behring. “One of Dade Behring’s priorities is to develop new tests such as this one, which assist healthcare providers around the world in offering differentiated care to their patients.” DVT and PE are serious medical conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide every year. DVT is caused by the formation of a blood clot in the deep veins of the legs, pelvis or upper extremities, leading to either partially or completely blocked circulation. PE occurs when a clot breaks loose and travels to pulmonary arteries. Both conditions could cause death if they are not diagnosed and treated properly. Studies have shown that measurement of D-dimer may also be valuable in the evaluation of rethrombosis risk, to monitor potential coagulation disorders in pregnancy, and as an aid in the diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Dade Behring continues to evaluate Innovance D-dimer for these potential clinical indications.

• MedAir (Delsbo, Sweden) reported the launch of its OxyCheck fingertip pulse oximeter, a monitoring device that performs measurement of oxygen saturation and pulse rate. According to the company, its features include; durability, the ability to fit a range of finger sizes from pediatric to adult, and use of standard AAA batteries. The device also passes IPX2 testing against water ingress. MedAir makes widescreen capnography and pulse oximetry technologies.