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Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic

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Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Supporting our partners to provide the best possible care for patients

We are committed to support front-line healthcare professionals and help them to deliver high-value critical care to patients at each stage of COVID-19 disease management: diagnosis, prognosis, therapy and follow-up.

The coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic continues to spread, confronting healthcare professionals around the world with unprecedented clinical and operational challenges. As they struggle to deal with this extraordinary situation, at the same time they must also continue to care for other patients.

At Siemens Healthineers, we are aware of the urgency and complexity of the current situation, and we are working hard to provide the best possible support to healthcare providers at each stage of COVID-19 patient care: diagnosis, prognosis, therapy and follow-up.

Our aspiration to drive innovations forward so people live healthier and longer lives is more valid today than ever before. We are stepping up as a partner to support healthcare systems helping them to deliver high-value care to patients and families. Please do not hesitate to contact us in case of questions or suggestions.

Due to high demand, availability in certain regions may be affected, please contact your local Siemens Healthineers organization for details.

COVID-19 Response

We support you to provide the best possible care for patients.

In the following overview we want to highlight parts of the portfolio from Siemens Healthineers that can support healthcare providers at each stage of COVID-19 patient care: diagnosis, prognosis, therapy and follow-up.

Clinical

Our medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics and point-of-care testing solutions can support physicians to make a prognosis about the severity of a COVID-19 case, help treat the patient, and assist in the follow-up to find out when the patient has recovered.

Operational

At the same time our digital health solutions, services and consulting can support healthcare providers in protecting healthcare workers and increasing healthcare delivery capacity. For example, our digital services enable medical personnel to operate systems regardless of their location and thus with a potentially lower risk of infection.

Antigen test
Antigen testing for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19¹
Molecular lab test
Real-time PCR detects identify RNA from SARS-CoV-2 (FTD SARS-CoV-2 Assay)²
Immuno/chemistry lab tests
Comprehensive lab testing
Hematology/hemostasis lab tests
Managing coagulation abnormalities in COVID-19 patients
Blood gas tests
Blood gas systems are used in the management of patients under respiratory distress
X-ray
X-ray systems support initial assessment of severity and monitoring
Ultrasound
Fast, simple, and mobile ultrasound imaging
CT
Computed Tomography (CT) images used in evaluation of infectious disease
C-Arm
Cios mobile C-arms – an option for lung imaging
Anti-body lab test to help indicate an immune response
Digital Solutions
Remote care management of potential COVID-19 patients may help free up inpatient capacity
Remote operations, services and education
Remote scanning assistance to ensure care continuity
Online education and knowledge resources on COVID-19
Artificial Intelligence
Supporting radiologists in COVID-19 evaluation by applying Artificial Intelligence to images
Healthcare staff protection and capacity management
Delivering on the need for increased treatment capacity with Rapid Activation Management Consulting Services

COVID-19 Response – Clinical

Rapid antigen testing for the detection of SARS-CoV-2

As society continues to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a critical public health need to get ahead of the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus with a fast and simple test for all. The CLINITEST Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Test¹⁵ is a point-of-care cassette test that does not require central laboratory analyzers and hence eliminates transport delays and associated costs. It delivers results in 15 minutes.

Real-time PCR helps identify RNA from SARS-CoV-2

The new FTD SARS-CoV-2 real time PCR Assay (RUO)¹ from Siemens Healthineers is now available² for molecular laboratories. A dual-target design for SARS-CoV-2 identification provides assay robustness and optimal sensitivity, specificity, and inclusivity. The FTD SARS-CoV-2 Assay uses the same assay setup protocol and thermal-cycling profile as all FTD respiratory pathogens kits from Siemens Healthineers.³

Comprehensive lab testing

Fast, accurate detection and monitoring for health issues that may arise as part of COVID-19 disease management are critical. Our comprehensive portfolio of systems and extensive menu in immunoassay, chemistry, hematology, hemostasis, molecular, and urinalysis, in conjunction with automation, informatics, and services, can help support the essential role of laboratory diagnostics. We are expanding infectious-disease testing capabilities to address the COVID-19 pandemic, developing a SARS-CoV-2 laboratory serology assay⁴ to detect presence of IgM and IgG antibodies in blood, helping indicate whether a person has developed immunity. An antibody test can reveal if a person had COVID-19 even if they were asymptomatic or never diagnosed with the disease.

Manage patients in triage locations

In order to help inform clinical decisions during the COVID-19 crisis, labs need systems that are easy to install and run with broad menus to test patients for other related or unrelated medical conditions that may exist. Our compact, integrated chemistry and immunoassay testing system⁵ provides a simple user interface to rapidly mobilize testing with quick turnaround times for certain critical tests. A disposable, sealed cuvette design may help reduce contact with potentially infectious sample mixtures and aerosols.

Blood gas systems are used in the management of ventilated patients under respiratory distress

The RAPIDPoint^®500e Blood Gas System and epoc^® Blood Analysis System are essential analyzers supporting COVID-19 response efforts, where blood gas testing plays a critical role in managing infected patients and monitoring their respiratory distress. The analyzers integrate seamlessly into hospital networks with the Point of Care Ecosystem™, which offers remote management of operators and devices.

Computed Tomography (CT) images used in evaluation of infectious disease

High resolution chest CT images help assess the severity of the lung involvement in COVID-19 patients, especially those with severe symptoms. This includes evaluation of the progression and remission of the disease.⁶ Scanners of the SOMATOM go. platform provide high resolution lung imaging and are recommended for fast delivery requests in areas where COVID-19 is prevalent. The innovative mobile CT workflow of SOMATOM go. platform scanners permits technologists to maintain a distance of at least 1.5 m (5 ft) from potentially infected patients. These scanners can also be installed in mobile units to provide access in high-demand or in isolated areas. Furthermore, many of our CT simulators usually being used for radiation treatment planning, can be used to support the diagnosis of COVID-19 based pneumonia.

X-ray systems support initial assessment of severity and monitoring

X-ray imaging is a relevant diagnostic modality for patients with COVID-19 disease, especially if the availability of other diagnostic methods becomes limited due to a rapid increase of infected patients. In many locations isolated areas are set up for the diagnosis and therapy of COVID-19 disease to manage the increased number of patients. There are solutions available to integrate X-ray machines into these isolated environments.

Magnetic Resonance (MR) images to support physicians in detecting cardiac injury

Recent studies in China and Italy^7,8,9 have indicated that myocardial injury is common among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and is associated with a higher risk of in-hospital mortality. Cardiovascular MRI (CMR) can be useful in supporting physicians detect and monitor cardiac injury (e.g. myocarditis) as a possible complication of COVID-19, according to the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR). To support CMR we offer SCMR Recommended Protocols, clinically optimized exam protocols for 1.5 and 3T MAGNETOM systems, for download. To help perform comprehensive CMR exams, we also offer a free, 90 days trial license for our standardization and automation technology Cardiac Dot Engine.¹⁰

Managing coagulation abnormalities in COVID-19 patients

While it’s not unusual for infections to raise the risk of clotting, COVID-19 is associated with an unprecedented range of clotting-related disorders in COVID-19 patients. Coagulation testing plays an important role in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of coagulation abnormalities in these patients. Siemens Healthineers is supporting labs to best perform coagulation testing. Our efforts include increased production of vital coagulation assays, and compiled knowledge on current coagulation testing and monitoring recommendations.

COVID-19 Response – Operational

Supporting radiologists in COVID-19 evaluation by applying Artificial Intelligence to images

AI-powered analysis of chest images has the potential to alleviate the workload of radiologists by supporting them to diagnose and evaluate diseases. To help address the COVID-19 pandemic, we are providing AI algorithms for trial and clinical routine. The research prototype CT Pneumonia Analysis¹¹ is designed to automatically identify and quantify abnormal patterns in the lung, which can be associated with COVID-19, and to compute severity measures. Beyond research, the AI-Rad Companion Chest X-ray¹² automatically characterizes radiographic findings for lung X-ray, including atelectasis and consolidations, which correlate with signs of COVID-19 induced pneumonia.

Remote scanning assistance to ensure care continuity

Remote operations may help reduce staff exposure to infectious patients and may allow employees, who are under quarantine, to continue working. syngo Virtual Cockpit enables remote scanning assistance to imaging personnel – regardless of their geographic location. Assistance can even be provided from home with a simple laptop.¹³With syngo Virtual Cockpit, your best technologists can assist on up to three exams at once, distributing their skills and experience across sites in real time. syngo Virtual Cockpit Lite offers remote scanning assistance from any networked computer within your facility, and enables access to one scanner at a time using syngo Expert-i.

Online education on COVID-19

As healthcare providers and care teams are looking for education on equipment applications, imaging protocols, and examination workflows, we are continuously expanding our education and knowledge hub PEPconnect. Regularly we are creating new resources, including video tutorials, to share relevant information on best use for our pathway related equipment.

Sharing image studies to expand reading expertise and capacities

Digital collaboration capabilities can enable staff to support clinical personnel in high-demand areas remotely and may allow employees who are under quarantine to continue to assist in reading images. Participation of expert radiologists located in different time zones can allow shared images to be reviewed efficiently. teamplay Images is a secure, cloud-based image sharing service for DICOM files.¹⁴ It provides access to imaging studies quickly and easily from desktop computers or tablets and enables secured sharing and discussion of relevant cases beyond the institution. teamplay Images is easily deployed through teamplay digital health platform.

Rapid Activation Management Consulting Services

The COVID-19 pandemic shapes a situation, in which the ability to respond rapidly is crucial. In some cases, healthcare providers may not have the necessary capacity and means to quickly plan and activate processes required to address the current public health emergency. Rapid Activation Management Consulting Services enable healthcare providers to address the immediate needs to manage increased demand, patient workflows, support financial repositioning, and set up new facilities or repurpose existing ones.

Explore our COVID-19 relevant Webinars

Product availability may vary from country to country and is subject to varying regulatory requirements.

CE-IVD labelled for diagnostic use in the EU. This test has not been FDA cleared or approved. This test has been authorized by FDA under an EUA for use by authorized laboratories. This test has been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens. This test is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21. U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner.

Visit fast-trackdiagnostics.com for a list of compatible instruments. Customers are responsible for validating the assay on instruments listed in the compatibility list.

In development; not available for sale. Future availability cannot be guaranteed.

⁴

Product availability may vary from country to country and is subject to varying regulatory requirements.

⁵

Fang et al., Sensitivity of Chest CT for COVID-19: Comparison to RT-PCR, Radiology 2020.

⁶

Shi S, Qin M, Shen B, et al. Association of Cardiac Injury With Mortality in Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19 in Wuhan, China. JAMA Cardiol. Published online March 25, 2020. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2020.0950.

⁷

Guo T, Fan Y, Chen M, et al. Cardiovascular Implications of Fatal Outcomes of Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). JAMA Cardiol. Published online March 27, 2020. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2020.1017.

⁸

Inciardi RM, Lupi L, Zaccone G, et al. Cardiac Involvement in a Patient With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). JAMA Cardiol. Published online March 27, 2020. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2020.1096.

⁹

Not available in all countries.

¹⁰

For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

¹¹

AI-Rad Companion Chest X-ray is currently not for sales in the United States and other selected countries.

¹²

A secure VPN connection to the department network is required. Other appropriately trained personnel must be in the room to care for patient, position the patient, and manually start the scan.

¹³

The DICOM viewer is not intended for diagnostic display. Due to regulations data exchange between data center regions is restricted. The products/features/service offerings are not commercially available in all countries. If the services are not marketed in countries due to regulatory or other reasons, the service offering cannot be guaranteed. Please contact your local Siemens organization for further details.

¹⁴

Not available for sale in the U.S. Product availability may vary from country to country and is subject to varying regulatory requirements. Please contact your local Siemens Healthineers organization for further details.

¹⁵

The products/features and/or service offerings (here mentioned) are not commercially available in all countries and/or for all modalities. If the services are not marketed in countries due to regulatory or other reasons, the service offering cannot be guaranteed. Please contact your local Siemens Healthineers organization for further details.

Due to high demand, availability in certain regions may be affected, please contact your local Siemens Healthineers representative for details.