Swiss medtech company Bloom Diagnostics has launched the Bloom Inflammation Test, designed to test for the quantitative measurement and presence of the C-Reactive Protein (CRP) using the Bloom system.
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C-reactive protein (CRP), an annular (ring-shaped), protein found in blood plasma. It is thought to assist in complement binding to foreign and damaged cells and enhances phagocytosis by macrophages.
The Bloom Inflammation Test is designed to be used by professional clinicians, allowing doctors and pharmacists to rapidly measure and quantify inflammation in anyone 18 years old and above.
The Bloom Inflammation Test is a single-use semi-automated testing kit for the quantitative measurement of CRP in the bloodstream to detect inflammation in the body. Elevated CRP can be caused by a range of different medical conditions including asthma, arthritis, COPD, diabetes, Crohn's disease, pneumonia, and more.
The Bloom Inflammation Test provides five different classifications depending on the CRP levels contained in the sample tested, ranging from Normal all the way to a High-Grade Inflammation. It enables healthcare professionals to test for levels of CRP from a single drop of blood and receive accurate results in minutes. It follows Bloom’s specialised ovarian reserve, ferritin, and thyroid tests, aimed at providing users access to a range of at-home and clinical tests, relieving pressure on GPs and strained healthcare systems.
The single-use kit for professional quantitative examination of the C-Reactive Protein is designed for adults aged 18 years of age and over, excluding pregnant users. Pin-prick blood samples are captured in a test strip, which is then deployed into the Bloom Lab. Cloud-based algorithms and AI technology aggregate test results with other input information about health status alongside medical history, lifestyle, and individual symptoms. Fully encrypted feedback is delivered through a personalised report on the Bloom App after just 20 minutes.
Research published by NHLBI in Bethesda found high concentrations of C-Reactive Protein present in half of the test subjects who also displayed inflammatory conditions. While research experts state that each case of CRP levels should be considered individually, concentration of the protein is a significant marker for wider health conditions, and so a valuable tool for clinicians.
Dr. Angelica Kohlmann, MD PhD, co-founder and chairperson at Bloom Diagnostics, said: “Bloom’s main goal is to create awareness that testing, in general, is the best measure for preventing or treating serious conditions. The ability to test for CRP is an important element for clinicians and doctors, and we are proud to be helping advance medical technology by adding this test to the Bloom Lab’s capabilities.
“For Bloom as a young company, spreading to new geographies is always a challenge. Every country has its specificities. We see great new opportunities in the UK and Italy, as we consider both countries to be very open, with many first adopters when it comes to new technologies. I remember when the first mobiles came to market and I hardly knew anyone in Germany with such a device. I travelled to Italy and everyone had one!”
Tom Kupper, co-founder and chief product officer at Bloom Diagnostics, added: “Inflammation is a common symptom across many ailments, and we estimate that over half the adult population could benefit from more frequent testing. Inflammation correlates with diet, exercise and medical conditions, such as diabetes and arthritis. Introducing a simple and accessible tool to measure and quantify the body's inflammatory status can be incredibly impactful. We're very excited to finally launch the Bloom Inflammation Test.”
“We are thrilled to add two major European countries and close to 130 million people to our business activities with the UK and Italy - more than doubling Bloom's current reach. In the medical space, no two countries can be treated alike, as healthcare systems differ widely. Therefore, we always carefully adjust our strategy for all geographies.”
