PointCare NOW by PointCare Technologies is said to be the first portable diagnostic equipment in the world for the remote monitoring of CD4 T cell (important for immune systems) levels. Such testing, combined with the hematology profiling that the NOW system provides, is essential to effectively adjust HIV anti-retroviral therapy. Before a NOW system shuts down at a remote clinic at the end of each day, its software collects all data (patient readings) for that day and sends it to the modem. The information is then transmitted by satellite to a server at company headquarters and entered into an ongoing profile of each NOW system. Reports on T-cell depletion, anemia, and abnormal white cell differentials can be generated in less than eight minutes. The satellite modem system also allows software updates to the NOW. And it monitors laboratories inventory for critical information on supplies. Should a site be running low on reagents, an instrument’s internal memory will alert the company of the shortage and supplies can be ordered. The satellite modem has passed preliminary tests conducted in South Africa, and pilot testing is scheduled for the first of the year.

PointCare Technologies, 181 Cedar Hill St., Marlborough, MA 01752, (508) 281-6926, www.pointcaretechnologies.com