Siemens Healthineers has signed a definitive agreement to buy point-of-care diagnostics firm Alere's blood diagnostic systems unit, Epocal. The financial details of the acquisition have not been revealed.

The agreement covers Epocal’s handheld, wireless testing solution called epoc Blood Analysis System and will bolster Siemens Healthineers’ blood gas portfolio. epoc Blood Analysis System is designed to deliver blood gas, electrolyte and metabolite results in around 30 seconds following introduction of the sample.

The system comes with epoc room-temperature stable BGEM test card, reader and host2 mobile computer. The epoc range is expected to integrate into the firm’s digital systems network to offer a broad solution to its customers.

With an aim to improve customers’ workflows, Siemens Healthineers portfolio of blood gas diagnostics includes a variety of devices such as low-volume, single-use handheld device and high-volume, multi-use benchtop solution.

Blood gas test systems are used in critical care settings, including hospitals, clinics, emergency departments and pulmonary laboratories. The Epocal deal is subject to completion of Abbott's acquisition of Alere, antitrust approvals, and other customary closing conditions.