Bio-Rad Introduces the IH-500, a Fully Automated Random Access System for Blood Typing and Screening

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.,has announced the launch of the IH-500, a fully automated random access system for blood typing and screening, providing small and medium-size transfusion medicine laboratories fast and reliable results in a 24/7 environment. The IH-500 system is available in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Latin America.

The IH-500 system can handle the entire range of Bio-Rad ID gel cards for ABO blood grouping, reverse testing, phenotype, Rh-subgroups, antibody screening, antibody identification, single antigen testing, direct AHG testing (DAT), and crossmatch. The system incorporates a 6-axis robot transport arm offering a high level of automation and minimizing user operations. The IH-500 system also offers enhanced safety checks, extended reagent storage, and dynamic sample work flow management that provides additional efficiencies.

The seamless integration of IH-500 with IH-Com (software for data management and results interpretation) and IH-Web (software for remote result management) significantly improves the workflow from small labs to large lab networks.

“We are pleased to introduce the IH-500 automated blood typing system, a new and advanced generation of technology that has the flexibility to offer a cost-effective solution for both small and mid-volume labs,” said John Hertia, Bio‑Rad Executive Vice President, President, Clinical Diagnostics Group. “The system reduces user operations and provides many new efficiencies to our customers.”

Key Benefits of IH-500 System

• Can operate as stand-alone system or as a bench-top analyzer, offering a high level of flexibility towards customized solutions
• As part of the total system solution, the IH-500 can be connected with other Bio‑Rad instruments to create one seamlessly integrated lab system
• Incorporates proven industrial technology to provide a robust and reliable system
• Offers patient safety through established ID gel card technology as well as photo quality/clear results