Hemex Health, a leader in diagnostics technology, has enhanced its point of care test platform Gazelle to detect beta thalassemia disease and trait in addition to sickle cell disease and trait. The enhanced Hb Variant test of Gazelle detects beta thalassemia with accuracy close to the standard laboratory tests HPLC and capillary electrophoresis, says the company. 

The key advantages of this point of care tests are its competence in results as compared to standard lab tests and the lower cost.  According to the company the installed base of Gazelle devices will be updated automatically with the expanded capabilities. These devices, which are already in use for testing sickle cell disease and traits, will be updated automatically with the expanded capabilities. The upgrade transforms the Gazelle platform into the world’s first complete, low cost, on-site, rapid testing (8-minute) solution for beta thalassemia, claimed the company.