MEDRAD has signed an exclusive radiology distribution agreement with Abbott Point of Care for Abbott’s i-STAT System portable blood analyzer.

The agreement enables MEDRAD to introduce Abbott Point of Care’s i-STAT analyzer to a large customer base in radiology departments with a focus on improving patient safety and meeting customer needs, according to the Warrendale, Pa.-based company.

The i-STAT System is particularly suited to radiology applications because of the recent concern about the remote potential for contrast-induced nephropathy and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, MEDRAD said.

Tests cartridges include CHEM8+ (CLIA waived), which provides an array of nine metabolic tests, including lab-accurate creatinine, a measurement of renal function recommended for those with risk factors like diabetes, kidney impairment and advanced age.