Siemens launches new software for prenatal risk analysis

Siemens has launched a new software package, which works in conjunction with its medical device range to help clinicians assess prenatal risks.

The new PRISCA version 5.0 prenatal risk calculation software is designed to combine data collected from Immulite maternal screening assays and ultrasound measurements, which can be used to assess risks of foetal chromosomal abnormalities and neural tube defects.

In its newest incarnation, the PRISCA system allows laboratories participating in the shared database to compare data more easily, establish more accurate medians and factor in demographic differences.

Eric Olson, vice-president of informatics and e-business at Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, said this will help clinicians to process an increasingly large amount of complex data more efficiently.

He added: “PRISCA 5.0 enhances maternal and prenatal care by bringing together laboratory, imaging and patient data to support clinical decisions.”

Last month, Siemens published data from a study which highlighted the accuracy and effectiveness of its RAPIDLab 1245 blood gas system in conducting bilirubin analysis among newborn children.