EKF Link is a middleware solution for healthcare providers to manage their Point of Care analyzers and the generated data on one centralized platform.
EKF Link is a flexible, open solution that can be interfaced to most vendor’s Point of Care analyzer to permit the real-time management of data including patient test results, QC results, operator management and analyser configuration.
EKF Link enables the transfer of data from the analyzer to the hospital or laboratory database for subsequent processing.
EKF Link provides hospitals, labs and GP with the functionality to manage and evaluate their patient and user data easily and securely.
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Instrument management
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Test results and QC management
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Operator management |
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Report management
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Alarm management |
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Connect to LIS and HIS |
EKF Link has been designed by IT Solution engineers working alongside hospital POC Managers to provide users with a single, comprehensive yet flexible platform.
EKF Link’s simple set-up, intuitive interface and user-friendly graphics enable effective utility in GP offices, pharmacies, laboratories, hospitals and blood banks. There are no barriers to where and how EKF Link can be implemented.
EKF Link can be installed on a PC (Windows or Apple) or a server allowing access to authorized users anywhere at any time.
EKF Link has been designed to allow the addition of more analyzers as and when they are required. Link works with devices from other manufacturers as well as all those in the EKF range.
EKF Link is available to connect any of the following EKF Diagnostics devices** to a LIMS or HIS/EMR:
Link also works with the following devices from other manufacturers:
microINR from iLine
** Not all products are available in all countries
Give your Point of Care devices super powers by connecting them using EKF Link. With just a few clicks an analyzer can capture patient information, run QC, lock-out unauthorized users and send information into a LIMS system. And that's not all:
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Standalone Allows users to send test results with time stamp to LIMS |
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Instrument Management Set instrument configuration remotely Create and assign designated location to instrument |
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ID Management Operator Management allowing only certified operators to use the analyser |
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Other features include Additional workflow available Report management with the ability to create PDF and CSV reports |
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Feature | Advantage |
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| Safe and secure | Integrated Device Connector | Connect multiple Point of Care analyzers securely and easily to LIMS/EMR |
| Maximum flexibility | Advanced architecture |
Host on your laptop or server. Your data, your choice! Data is accessible from most web browser using security protocol without the need to install an additional module |
| Test integrity | Patient and QC management |
Review tests in tables and charts Check results Add comments |
| Traceability | Operator management | Automatically lock out users who are not correctly certified to reduce the risk of errors and to meet strict regulatory and quality requirements |
| Visibility | Instrument management |
Manage your analyzers remotely Check the status of individual analyzers |
| Archive | Report management | Export test results as PDF or CSV files |
'Connectivity of POCT devices is becoming more important to ensure results are auditable, safeguarding staff and patients. The EKF Link is very easy to use, requires very limited training, with the software being very intuitive. The design and layout is aesthetically pleasing which allows you to easily navigate through the software. EKF Link has helped our clinicians to check on patient results in real time during clinics as results become available from our connected devices, and plotted on a patient timeline, in graphic and tabular form.
EKF Link requires very little interaction on a daily basis as connectivity between the POCT devices and software is automatic. It allows us to maintain quality over results through user management, the need for mandatory patient demographic entry, and quality control lock out features. We are in the process of interfacing the EKF Link to our electronic patient record, as well as exploring other features within EKF Link, including material management to control the batch of reagent and QC available to the end-users.
We are also in the process of interfacing additional POCT devices with EKF Link which I have found to be a very easy and quick process during the installation. I have been extremely impressed with the support available from the EKF Link team, who are fast to respond to queries, are always happy to hear feedback on the software and have worked alongside us to make changes, and add new features to meet our needs.’
Gary Dewey
AP Chemistry/ULH POCT Coordinator – Pathology, Grantham Hospital
‘EKF Link is an outstanding data management system at Point Of Care in the Hospital setting. In our Trust we have connected a number of POCT devices and in turn safe guarding our staff and patients in line with MHRA guidance on the use of POCT devices.
EKF Link is easy to use and intuitive at every stage. All our connected POCT devices have IQC lock out predefined by POCT, lot number control of consumables & IQC material, barcoded operator ID’s, patient demographics set as mandatory inputs at point of care.
All results are electronically transmitted from the device to EKF Link and takes are in place with the Trust to activate these in the electronic patient record. In the meantime the results are available to view in EKF Link in easy to use patient result screens, displaying graphs, all on a particular patient across all the devices and over the lifetime of the patient testing.
EKF Link has made life simple and easy at point of care and we are now exploring connecting 3rd party devices to the platform.’
Ms Terri Robinson BSc (Hons)
Specialist Biomedical Scientist – Point of Care Testing Co-ordinator, ULH Pan Trust
Can I use the analyser’s Bluetooth to connect to EKF Link?
You first need to connect the device to a computer with a cable to set up the Bluetooth connection. After the setup you can use Bluetooth to transfer data from the devices to EKF Link.
Which cable is required for connection?
Quo-Test and Quo-Lab: You will firstly need to purchase the Quo-Connect Pack.
Hemo Control and Hemo Control Manager: You will need the specific USB cable that is provided by EKF when your Hemo Control analyzer was purchased.
DiaSpect Tm: You will need the specific USB cable that is provided by EKF when your DiaSpect Tm analyzer was purchased.
Biosen: You will need the specific USB cable that is provided by EKF when your Biosen analyzer was purchased
Yes, just contact the EKF Link Support team filling up the contact form
Yes, you can use Link on the Chrome and Safari browsers on any tablet or smartphone, Android or iOS. Please note that EKF Link is not an app.
It will depend on analyzer settings and which workflow has been set.
You can use your analyzer as standalone device off-site (i.e. not connected to EKF Link). It will connect automatically once it is back in range.
No, you can open EKF Link using most web browser such as Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari or Mozilla Firefox.
Yes, there are three different levels of permission that can be given to users.
No. EKF Link can be reached within your intranet once it is installed on your premises.
Data is secured in transit using TLS, and on the database using an AES-128 encryption key.
My Hemo Control has a Data Manager add-on. When adding the analyzer should I enter it as a Hemo Control or Hemo Control Manager?
You should enter it as a Hemo Control Manager.
When connecting a DiaSpect Tm how do I progress from step 2 - ‘Synchronise device’, to step 3 - ‘Device connected’?
Check in the analyzer's configuration whether ‘Synchronise after test’ is selected. If it is you can run a test or press cuvette the holder. You need to press the cuvette holder to synchronise the analyzer to EKF Link.
How do I run a QC test on a DiaSpect Tm?
There is no provision for differentiating between QC and patient samples tested using EKF Link. The analyzer will recognize automatically if it’s a QC test or a patient test. The sensor of the DiaSpect Tm can distinguish between a liquid quality control test and a routine test.
What happens if a DiaSpect Tm will not connect to Link at the first attempt?
It may be that the analyser is a version 2.0. Check the serial number. If the serial number has the letters ‘TE’ in it, it is a DiaSpect Tm 2.0 and should be added as such. If there is a ‘TB’ in the serial number it is an older model and should be added as a DiaSpect Tm.
What software does a Quo-Test or Quo-Lab need to run to be suitable for connection?
Ensure the analyser software version is version 4.00 or above. If it is an older version contact EKF Diagnostics customer support and ask for an upgrade.
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Please note: Not all products are available in all countries. Please check availability.
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