Yes, there are Issues With EMRs. But Paper Medical Records Are Not Coming Back Anytime Soon.

As detailed in a recent Linked In article (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/yes-issues-emrs-paper-medical-records-coming-back-anytime-carlson/), articles that criticize the EHR tend to avoid a historical comparison to the days of paper-based records, and that’s partially because it’s hard to document those errors. EHRs in an odd way provide their own spotlight on their failures, whereas paper record errors would require extensive […]

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New Report Finds Large-Scale Adoption of Digital X-Ray Technology in the U.S., Growth in Procedures

This article is based on information  from Kalorama’s partner publication IMV (http://www.imvinfo.com), a premier source of information for the radiology industry.  In the 1980s, CT and MR scanners revolutionized the imaging industry by generating images digitally rather than using analog/film-based technology.  Since then, radiology/imaging departments have progressed to being almost fully digitally based, with the […]

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Modest Results, and Some Good News, for Major IVD Companies

Results below expectations, perhaps explained by one-time events, were coupled with new product launches and some silver lining in niche markets, as the top two IVD companies announced first-quarter results.  Roche’s Diagnostics division reported sales of $2.9 BN CHF (approx. $2.86 BN USD) and 1% growth, with Molecular Diagnostics as main contributor.  That was flat […]

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Mass Spectrometry-based Mycology Tests Put to Use in C. auris Outbreak

A relatively new disease with particular strength in the New York City area but also in 12 U.S. states has seen 617 cases as of time of writing – with particular strength in weakened patients and those in long-term facilities.  Because the fungus is detectable only with complex lab tests such as mass spectrometry, sequencing […]

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Point of Care Test Revenue Growth Outpaces Overall IVD Test Market

Introducing accurate test results to the place where patient care is occurring is a compelling concept for improved care.  And that is reflected in the growing year-over-year revenues for products that are successful at getting that done.  POC has not converted in every category, and it’s not for everything.  Indeed, lab-based tests remain stalwart in […]

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Panel Testing Approaches: A Look At The Current Marketplace

[by Christina Chew]  It is increasingly common to test in panels to gain clarity on disease while treatment will be most effective.  Numerous multiplex products are on the market, and their effectiveness has been shown in studies, but there are challenges with reimbursement.   In this article, we will look at the current status of syndromic […]

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Instrument Launches, Small-Molecule Techniques and Kool-Aid as PITTCON Philadelphia Begins

Pittcon 2019 now in its 70th year, meets in Philadelphia this week.  The meeting is an opportunity to showcase improvements in laboratory technology.  While mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography are key areas for vendors, this year’s meeting will feature a large demonstration space where vendors will show off spectrometry, software and even analyze common everyday […]

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What Does The “Second Wave” of 2018/19 Flu Season Mean for IVD Markets?

The CDC reports a late peak and possible second wave to what was previously thought to be a weaker flu season compared to recent years. This is important for IVD makers, as respiratory IVD markets are driven to a great extent by the severity of the flu season. While the total number of cases remains […]

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New Report Details $350 Billion Industry That No One Dominates

Kalorama Information’s new report on U.S. long-term care, “The Long Term Care Market: Nursing Homes, Home Care, Hospice Care, and Assisted Living,” finds that growth will be fueled by the diversity of services that can be offered. The industry will near the half-trillion dollar mark in the next five years, growing even with cautious payor […]

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Innovations in Microbiology Testing

Detection of infectious disease promptly and accurately is important because the burden of infectious disease is high.  In the United States, chronic lower respiratory diseases were the third leading cause of death in 2015, behind only heart disease and cancer.  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 155,041 people died in the […]

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