PTS Detect™ Cotinine System is the First and Only Point-of-Care Device Offering Quantitative Results from a Fingerstick

INDIANAPOLIS, July 28, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- PTS Diagnostics, the U.S.-based manufacturer of both the CardioChek® brand and the A1CNow® family of point-of-care diagnostic products, has launched a new product line of handheld medical devices that provide rapid point-of-care test results previously only available from a venous draw sent to a laboratory. PTS Detect™ systems will allow healthcare professionals to further expand the number of fingerstick tests with results provided at the point of care.

The first product in this new family innovates tobacco-use detection. The PTS Detect cotinine system is the only point-of-care device offering quantitative results from a fingerstick. The PTS Detect cotinine system is a portable device offering specific, reliable, accurate and fast results.

The PTS Detect system measures quantified cotinine (a byproduct of nicotine) levels from 25 ng/ml to 200 ng/ml in just 5 minutes. In recent evaluations, the portable PTS Detect system provided results with similar sensitivity and specificity ranges as laboratory instruments.

"The ability to obtain an accurate and specific cotinine measurement from a fingerstick is key," said Robert Huffstodt, President and CEO of PTS Diagnostics. "A fingerstick is perceived to be much less invasive than other traditional tobacco-use detection tests. In addition, the PTS Detect system's ability to provide a quantitative result will substantially reduce the need for confirmatory tests. We are quite proud to introduce this new and innovative technology that quantifies cotinine from just a small fingerstick at the point of care."

Another benefit is the cost savings that can be realized with the PTS Detect cotinine system. As a fingerstick test, the expense of employing phlebotomists is eliminated. With no shipping of specimens to the laboratory and fewer confirmatory tests, the PTS Detect cotinine system is well-positioned for the workplace. Further, the fingerstick collection can be done in conjunction with other onsite screenings.

Based on published research¹, a specific cotinine measurement can be compared to the estimated number of cigarettes smoked per day. For example, a cotinine measurement from the PTS Detect system would indicate:

• < 40 ng/ml – Non-tobacco user (possible secondhand smoke exposure)
• 41 to 199 ng/ml – Light tobacco user
• > 200 ng/ml – Heavy tobacco user

"It is important to know that the PTS Detect cotinine system measures levels from all products that contain nicotine. This may include cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, etc.," said Huffstodt. "This new cotinine screening tool, with results provided in just 5 minutes, will certainly change the way tobacco detection is performed around the world."

PTS Diagnostics is currently in the research and development phase to add additional tests that will be performed on the PTS Detect system. "When vital data is delivered fast, time spent in consultation is more productive and more meaningful for both the patient and the healthcare professional," said Huffstodt. "We are excited to introduce our new cotinine test and know that the future testing capabilities of the PTS Detect systems will continue to bring innovative solutions to the point-of-care diagnostics industry."

About PTS Diagnostics 
PTS Diagnostics is an innovative point-of-care diagnostics solutions provider that partners with patients and healthcare professionals to provide the right information at the right time to make the right decisions. The company's name represents the three pillars upon which it has built its long-term success: People, Technology and Service. 

PTS Diagnostics' signature products include the CardioChek® lipid analyzer and the A1CNow® family of products. The CardioChek® family of products have screened more than 120 million patients worldwide while the A1CNow® product line works to enable people to lead healthier lives through ongoing management of diabetes. Together these products help identify individuals with cardiometabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase risks of developing cardiovascular disease or diabetes. 

Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, PTS Diagnostics designs, manufactures, distributes and markets products for distribution in more than 135 countries around the world.  More information is available at www.ptsdiagnostics.com

1.   Jarvis, M.J.; Promatesta, P.; Erens, B.; Feyerabend, C.; Bryant, A., Measuring nicotine intake in a population surveys: Comparability of saliva cotinine and plasma cotinine estimates. Nicotine and Tobacco Research 2003, 5 (3), 349-355;  Agaku, I. T.; Vardavas, C.I.; Connolly, G.N., Cigarette rod length and its impact on serum cotinine and urinary total NNAL levels, NHANES 2007-2010 Nicotine & Tobacco Research 2014, 16 (1), 100-107.

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SOURCE PTS Diagnostics

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