Siemens expands POC labs manufacturing

OAKVILLE, Ont. – Siemens Healthineers has announced that its Ottawa facility, which manufactures the epoc blood analysis system, will be expanded by 5,000 square feet to support new manufacturing lines and accommodate the growth of the healthcare business worldwide and in Canada. The epoc system is a handheld, wireless solution that enables comprehensive blood analysis testing at the patient’s side on a single room-temperature test card, with results in less than a minute.

“This investment is a critical step toward enabling the growth of our medical technology business in Canada and Ontario by ensuring we have the manufacturing capacity in place to support continued development,” said Eric LaFleche (pictured), general manager of Siemens Healthineers in Canada. “We are proud that the skills and experience of staff are recognized, and Canada continues to be known for its technology, skills, and favourable innovative business environment.”

The 5,000 square-foot expansion is expected to be complete by June 2021, and will complement the company’s other point-of-care operations in the United States, United Kingdom, and India.

The point-of-care testing portfolio from Siemens Healthineers includes several solutions designed to provide immediate, convenient, and easy-to-use diagnostic testing. From the emergency department to the physician’s office, clinical management decisions can be made immediately and result in improved patient safety, clinical outcomes, and overall patient satisfaction.

The Ottawa facility is focused on the manufacture of the epoc blood analysis system, which provides critical caregivers with real-time, laboratory quality test results at the patient’s bedside.

The epoc blood analysis system can be used for a wide range of tests including: blood gas, which measures the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood that can indicate the presence of certain medical conditions such as kidney disease, heart failure, diabetes, hemorrhage, chemical poisoning, a drug overdose, or shock, among others; electrolytes and metabolytes, which indicate kidney health, blood sugar levels, and levels of electrolytes such as potassium and sodium; lactate that tests for sepsis; creatinine, which indicates kidney function; and blood urea nitrogen that reveals information about how well the kidneys and liver are functioning.

More information on the Siemens Healthineers epoc blood analysis system is available online at https://www.healthcare.siemens.com/blood-gas/blood-gas-systems/epoc-blood-analysis-system