LANSING, MI – A new blood test that can be analyzed within minutes and was tested at Sparrow has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

QScout™, developed by Ad Astra Diagnostics, a North Carolina-based research and development firm, is a unique and innovative tool previously not available in the United States. It reduces patient pain and increases their satisfaction because it allows providers to draw blood by simply poking the patient’s finger. QScout™ also allows reading of white blood cell counts (WBC) and other diagnostics immediately in the doctor’s office. Another benefit: QScout™ allows sepsis to be caught earlier.

"By quickly providing vital metrics such as a WBC count, QScout™ has the potential to deliver life-saving information to millions of people working in even the most urgent emergency and intensive care settings where every minute matters," said Ted Glynn, M.D., Sparrow vice president, medical education and research. "Sepsis is the leading global killer, which is why I am excited to see this important regulatory achievement from our partners and colleagues at Ad Astra Diagnostics. Delivering these diagnostic measures in close to real-time offers the potential to transform patient care."

Working with Sparrow Laboratories and the Sparrow Clinical Research Institute, Ad Astra Diagnostics tested the new technology at several Sparrow sites of care. Sparrow is a leader in Lansing’s burgeoning medical technology field and is helping to shape the future of health care. With the FDA approval, QScout™ move closer to being used in care settings and in laboratories.

To learn more about Sparrow’s research work, go to Sparrow.org/departments-conditions/sparrow-clinical-trials

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Sparrow is Mid-Michigan’s premier healthcare organization and includes hospitals in Lansing, Carson City, Charlotte, Ionia, and St. Johns, as well as Sparrow Specialty Hospital, Physicians Health Plan, Sparrow Care Network, Sparrow Medical Group, and the Michigan Athletic Club. Sparrow is affiliated with Michigan Medicine through the Sparrow Children’s Center and with Michigan State University’s three human health colleges. Through these partnerships and the dedication of our 10,000 Caregivers, Sparrow pursues a vision to be nationally recognized as a leader in quality and Patient experience. As a not-for-profit healthcare system, charitable support from individuals, corporations, and organizations to the Sparrow Foundation provides vital funding for the programs we deliver to strengthen our regions health and wellness. For more information, visit sparrow.org.