i-STAT vs epoc: Point-of-Care Blood Gas/Electrolyte Analyzer Comparison

When it comes to critical care, seconds can make the difference between stability and crisis. 

Clinicians in the emergency department (ED), intensive care unit (ICU) and operating rooms depend on point of care ABG analyzers to deliver rapid, reliable insights into a patient’s respiratory and metabolic status. 

Among the most widely discussed handheld analyzers are the i-STAT from Abbott and the epoc® Blood Analysis System from Siemens Healthineers. Both promise speed, accuracy and convenience at the bedside. 

However, their designs, workflows and operational requirements differ in ways that can strongly influence clinical efficiency.

Choosing the right analyzer is more than a technical decision; it directly impacts turnaround time, staff workload, inventory logistics and, ultimately, patient care. 

A side-by-side comparison of i-STAT vs epoc can examine analyte menus and cartridge storage blood gas requirements, It can also scrutinize connectivity, quality control, costs and compliance. 

By the end, healthcare professionals and lab managers will gain a clear perspective on which analyzer aligns best with their workflow. This is regardless of whether they are used for bedside testing ICU, rapid ABG in ED or other demanding clinical settings.

System Overviews

i-STAT Analyzer

Thei-STAT handheld blood gas analyzer has become a global benchmark in portable diagnostics. 

Compact and lightweight (about 23 cm tall, 8 cm wide, 7 cm deep and weighing approximately 1 kg), it operates on two 9-volt rechargeable or disposable batteries. The device is designed for near-patient use, requiring only a finger-stick, venous or arterial sample. 

It can process a wide range of assays using single-use cartridges. This includes blood gases, electrolytes, chemistries, coagulation, hematology and endocrine markers.

Key advantages of i-STAT include:

• Rapid turnaround: Most results are available in about two minutes.
• Broad analyte coverage: Multiple cartridge types cover an extensive testing menu.
• Minimal sample volume: Just 17 µL of whole blood is sufficient.
• Onboard storage: Up to 500 patient results and 500 QC records can be stored.
• Throughput: Approximately 25 tests per hour.

Its long track record and reliability have made the i-STAT a trusted choice in many institutions, from tertiary hospitals to remote field settings.

epoc Analyzer

The epoc analyzer highlights a different approach to handheld blood gas testing. 

Instead of a single handheld unit, the epoc system is modular, consisting of a Host (wireless handheld computer), a Reader and single-use test cards. Each BGEM test card provides up to 13 analytes, including blood gases, electrolytes, glucose, hematocrit, lactate, BUN and creatinine.

Distinctive features of epoc include:

• Room-temperature cartridge storage: Cards are stable at ambient temperatures, removing the need for refrigeration.
• Wireless workflow: The Host connects seamlessly to hospital Wi-Fi, enabling direct integration with electronic medical records.
• Color-coded interface: Results are easy to interpret at the bedside.
• Internal quality checks: Each test card contains calibration and QC functions, reducing operator intervention.

Epoc aims to simplify inventory and connectivity challenges that often complicate QC POC analyzers in high-demand environments.

Analyte Menus & Sample Requirements

• i-STAT cartridges list: Includes multiple panels for blood gases (pH, pCO₂, pO₂), electrolytes (Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻, iCa²⁺), chemistries (glucose, creatinine, lactate, urea), coagulation (ACT, PT/INR) and even cardiac markers. Its versatility allows facilities to consolidate testing platforms.
• epoc BGEM test card: Measures approximately 13 analytes, covering the essential analyte menus ABG (pH, pCO₂, pO₂, HCO₃⁻), electrolytes, metabolic markers, hematocrit and lactate.
• Sample volume: The i-STAT requires only 17 µL of whole blood, while epoc typically requires around 90 µL. Although both are well within capillary or syringe sampling limits, i-STAT’s smaller volume can be advantageous in neonatal or critically ill patients.

Workflow & Time to Result

Both analyzers are designed for bedside testing ICU and ABG in ED scenarios where time is critical.

• i-STAT: Insert the cartridge, add the sample and results are displayed in about two minutes.
• epoc: Insert the blood sample into the test card, insert the card into the reader and transmit results wirelessly. The result time is similar, but wireless transmission reduces manual steps for reporting.

In both cases, warm-up time handheld is negligible, making them ready for rapid deployment in emergencies.

Cartridge Storage & Inventory

• i-STAT cartridges typically require refrigeration, with some allowing limited room-temperature stability. This adds complexity to logistics, especially in field or transport medicine.
• epoc test cards are stable at room temperature for extended periods (up to six months), eliminating the need for cold storage. This simplifies supply chain management and reduces dependency on refrigerators and coolers.

For facilities with limited cold storage capacity, epoc’s room-temperature stability can be a decisive advantage.

Connectivity & Data Export

• i-STAT: Supports data integration via docking stations or wireless versions. It connects to laboratory information systems (LIS) and electronic medical records through middleware platforms like AEGISPOC™ or Info HQ®. This enables data export LIS and centralized operator management.
• epoc: Built for wireless communication, the Host uses hospital POC connectivity Wi-Fi to automatically upload results. Real-time patient ID verification ensures accuracy and compliance.

In terms of digital workflow, epoc leans into connectivity, while i-STAT offers both wired and wireless options depending on the model.

Analytical Performance

Published comparative studies show strong agreement between i-STAT vs epoc across handheld blood gas and electrolyte analytes. Both systems demonstrate acceptable precision and reproducibility for clinical use.

• epoc has shown slightly better precision for pH, potassium and ionized calcium.
• i-STAT demonstrates robust correlation for sodium, hematocrit and glucose.

Both analyzers meet international performance standards, ensuring that clinicians can rely on results for urgent clinical decision-making.

Training, Calibration & Quality Control

• i-STAT: Requires minimal training due to its intuitive interface. However, external QC procedures and cartridge refrigeration logs are necessary. Calibration occurs with each cartridge insertion. 
• epoc: Simplifies QC through internal calibration on each card. Staff training is straightforward, with the wireless Host guiding users through each step.

For facilities with large rotating staff, Epoc’s built-in QC POC analyzers features can reduce training burdens and operator error.

Battery Life & Maintenance

• i-STAT: Powered by two 9-V batteries, typically supporting dozens of tests before replacement. Maintenance handheld analyzer needs are minimal, focusing on battery replacement and occasional docking station updates.
• epoc: The Host and Reader are rechargeable and designed for continuous use during shifts. While specific battery life POC analyzer data varies, the rechargeable design offers operational flexibility.

Both systems require little preventive maintenance, but i-STAT has the advantage of widespread support through service providers. 

Cost Considerations

• Cost per test ABG can vary by facility and negotiated contracts. i-STAT’s broad cartridge menu may lead to higher inventory and refrigeration costs.
• Epoc reduces indirect costs by eliminating refrigeration, simplifying training requirements POC, and streamlining data transmission.

While upfront pricing differs, total cost of ownership should consider maintenance handheld analyzer needs, supply storage requirements and middleware licensing.

Compliance & Operator Management

• i-STAT: Supports operator lockouts, QC tracking, and compliance with CLIA Moderate Complexity requirements. Administrators can restrict access to trained staff.
• epoc: Integrates operator ID, patient ID and real-time result transfer over Wi-Fi, supporting POCT compliance ABG and traceability. 

Both analyzers help institutions meet regulatory standards, though epoc automates more steps through its wireless infrastructure.

Use Case Scenarios

Final Takeaways: i-STAT vs epoc Analyzer Comparison

The decision between i-STAT vs epoc ultimately depends on institutional priorities. 

The i-STAT offers proven reliability, a wide i-STAT cartridge list and unmatched analyte diversity for a handheld blood gas platform. It is particularly valuable for facilities requiring extensive test menus, minimal sample volumes and a well-established support network. 

However, it does involve cartridge storage, blood gas logistics and more hands-on quality control.

The epoc system demonstrates clear strengths in wireless connectivity, simplified inventory management and automated QC. For organizations focused on digital workflow, reduced manual steps and streamlined POC connectivity Wi-Fi, epoc provides a modern, integrated solution. 

Its operator lockouts, automated calibration and training requirements POC advantages make it attractive for busy EDs and ICUs.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on clinical setting, supply chain resources and IT infrastructure. 

A high-acuity trauma center may value i-STAT’s test diversity, while a digitally advanced hospital might prefer epoc’s seamless wireless data handling. 

In the end, both systems deliver on the promise of bedside testing ICU and ABG in ED. 

They empower clinicians with rapid, reliable insights that save time, optimize resources and, most importantly, improve patient outcomes.

Partnering with experienced providers ensures that facilities receive expert guidance, certified service and support throughout the analyzer lifecycle.