The Calmark POC-Analyzer is a portable, battery-powered, self-instructional reader used with Calmark test cassettes (e.g. Calmark Neo-Bilirubin).
The cassette contains a chamber, where the blood sample is applied. When the lid of the instrument is closed, the test is activated and the blood sample hits a filter structure. The detection filter is 2.5 x 2.4 mm and can be impregnated with chemistry, which, when reacting with the relevant substance in the blood, induces a color change.
Sampling can take place where the patient is, e.g. at the maternity ward or return visit clinic. The platform is adapted for a hospital environment and is intended for in vitro diagnostics.
Calmark Neo-Bilirubin is a test for quantitative measurement of the concentration of bilirubin in the whole blood of newborns and is used in conjunction with the Calmark POC-Analyzer.
The analysis of the blood sample is done by a so-called colorimetric method where the color change in the filter is captured by a camera in the instrument. When the lid of the instrument is closed, the test is activated, the blood is filtered and the red blood cells are separated. Only the plasma is passed on to the detection filter, which may be impregnated with chemicals.
The detection filter changes color based on the specific biomarker. The intensity of the color and the speed of the color change determines the concentration of a biomarker.
The color reaction is analyzed by an algorithm in the instrument's software and converted into a numerical value, which is then presented to the user. This sequence of events occurs within a few minutes and is a process patented by Calmark.
For the Neo-Bilirubin test, no chemistry is needed as bilirubin itself is yellow.
1. Start the instrument with the lid closed. Wait until the above image appears on the screen.
2. Open the lid and place a new test cassette in the holder.
3. Fill the intended chamber completely with whole blood.
4. Close the lid of the instrument. The measurement starts automatically.
5. A numerical value is presented on the screen within two minutes.
