An interview with Dr. Gilles Wiederkehr: The Advantages of HemoScreen in Pneumology
- 4 Minutes to read
- Written by Axonlab
- General Practice
In our interview, you can learn why Dr Gilles Wiederkehr chose the HemoScreen and what diagnostic benefits he gains from it. He explains how the rapid availability of certain blood values optimises treatment decisions and improves patient care. He also discusses the significance of the 5-DIFF procedure and explains his perspective in comparison to the conventional 3-DIFF procedure.
Why did you choose the HemoScreen back then? Is it that the reagents can be stored without refrigeration? The reagent price? The compactness of the device? Or the possibility of creating a 5-DIFF blood count?
"The decisive factor for us was the complete blood count, as the relative and absolute number of eosinophils in particular is becoming increasingly important in the diagnosis of pneumonia. Thanks to the HemoScreen, we can quickly complete the diagnosis of bronchial asthma in particular, and possibly also COPD in the future, and start additional treatment if necessary. Of course, the compact dimensions of the device, the uncomplicated operation and the unproblematic storage of the reagents are also an advantage (Editor's note: the reagents can be kept unrefrigerated)."
What added diagnostic value does the HemoScreen offer you? Which values do you pay attention to? What conclusions do you draw from the results?
"The rapid availability of the absolute and relative number of eosinophils helps us to make treatment decisions more quickly. This benefits both the patients and us. In particular, therapy can be determined by analysing both the leukocytes and the CRP."
Is the 5-DIFF a significant advantage for you in patients taking biologics? If so, how often do these patients come for a check-up? Is their blood drawn capillary or venous?
"As mentioned above, the complete blood count is a great advantage for us. During the first presentation in our consultation, we usually carry out an arterial blood gas analysis so that the blood count and CRP are determined from the arterial blood. If low oxygen saturation is not an issue, further blood tests are carried out capillary approximately every three months, especially at the start of treatment with biologics."
Is the HemoScreen and its 5-DIFF measurement also more convenient for patients?
"The fact that the HemoScreen can handle capillary, venous and arterial blood without any problems and that the measurement is quick and clean is certainly very convenient for patients."
Can you prescribe more targeted, faster therapies thanks to the HemoScreen?
"Absolutely. The HemoScreen helps us to recognise acute inflammatory conditions and plan long-term therapies."
As a pulmonologist, do you rely more on 3-DIFF or 5-DIFF blood counts?
"As eosinophil blood cells have become much more important in recent years, especially in immunology and pneumology, we only use the complete blood count (5-DIFF) in practice."
Can you recommend the device? If so, for what reasons?
"The device is certainly recommended for practices that are interested in a complete blood count. We use it 10-15 times a day and problems rarely occur."
Thank you very much, Dr Gilles Wiederkehr, for the informative interview and your valuable insights.
