This developer of contrast injector systems and virtual colonoscopy technology will again highlight EZ Chem, a point-of-care blood analyzer device for testing creatinine levels in the CT suite as a means of avoiding contrast-induced allergic reactions.
First introduced as a work-in-progress at the 2005 RSNA show, EZ Chem enables users to conduct blood assays of patients prior to an exam to evaluate their kidney function prior to IV contrast administration. The product is pending clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and will again be shown as a work-in-progress, according to E-Z-EM of Lake Success, NY.
EZ Chem analyzes a pin-prick sample of blood in less than 30 seconds, and has an accuracy comparable to lab results, the company said. It uses a four-step testing process, and no calibration is required. Test strips can be stored at room temperature.
By Brian Casey
AuntMinnie.com staff writer
October 26, 2006
Copyright © 2006 AuntMinnie.com
![Axial images from unenhanced calcium score cardiac CT (left) and curved planar reformation images from CT angiography (right) show that higher long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with greater coronary artery calcium and more obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Top row: Images in a 68-year-old male patient with higher 10-year mean ambient air pollution exposure (7.9 μg/m3 for particulate matter measuring ≤2.5 μm in diameter [PM2.5] and 17.4 parts per billion [ppb] for NO2) with extensive CAD (coronary artery calcium score [CACS] >1,000 and obstructive CAD [≥70% diameter stenosis]). Bottom row: Images in a 57-year-old female patient with lower 10-year mean ambient air pollution exposure (6.3 μg/m3 for PM2.5 and 4.6 ppb for NO2) with no CAD (CACS = 0 and no obstructive stenosis).](https://img.auntminnie.com/mindful/smg/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/06/hanneman.r6SMLzkezo.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=2&fit=crop&h=167&q=70&w=250)
