Blog

Introducing Albio™

June 2024

The History of Albio™

The story of Albio™ began when Riikka Vartiainen, daughter of Ilkka Vartiainen (one of the founders of Albio™ in Finland and an expert in electronic engineering), was working as a paramedic. One night, Riikka attended to two unconscious young individuals in separate incidents, initially presumed to be drunk. Trusting her instincts, she rushed both to the hospital, where it was discovered that they had suffered strokes, not intoxication. These cases inspired Ilkka and Riikka to create a fast and reliable device to measure blood alcohol levels, leading to the birth of Albio™.

At UpViser Spain, we are excited to announce that we are now the exclusive distributors of Albio™ throughout Spain. Albio™ is a revolutionary device from Finland that facilitates the accurate and rapid measurement of blood alcohol levels, providing reliable results in just 25 seconds. Currently, Albio™ is present in over 30 countries worldwide, and UpViser Spain is the first to introduce this new invention to emergency units and ambulances (SAMU) in Spain. This article explores the technology and science behind Albio™, its benefits, and its target audience.

What is Albio™?

Albio™ is a portable and easy-to-use device specifically designed to measure blood alcohol levels accurately and efficiently. Unlike traditional breathalyzers that use breath or saliva, Albio™ analyzes blood directly, providing much more accurate and reliable results in just 25 seconds.

The Science and Technology Behind Albio™

Albio™ uses advanced electrochemical measurement technology with ADH-NAD+. In simple terms, the device employs a patented method where blood is siphoned to a reaction area. Here, different enzymes and buffers generate a chemical reaction measured between two electrodes. This process allows Albio™ to be specific for ethanol, avoiding interference from other substances in the blood.

How the Measurement Process Works

1. Device Preparation: Insert a test strip into the meter. If the meter turns off, press the "M" button to turn it back on.
2. Code Verification: Ensure the code on the meter matches the code on the test strip vial.
3. Sample Collection: Use a sterile lancet to obtain a fresh blood sample. Venous blood is recommended for more precise results, but a capillary sample can be taken, ideally the third drop without pressing the finger.
4. Analysis: The meter will beep and count down 25 seconds to display the result in parts per thousand (‰).
5. Strip Disposal: Remove and dispose of the test strip properly.

Benefits of Using Albio™

Albio™ is designed to determine a patient’s blood alcohol concentration quickly and accurately, aiding in crucial treatment and medication decisions.

Alcohol is the most used drug worldwide. Between 4.5% and 15% of patients visit emergency rooms with alcohol-related symptoms (up to 70% on weekends). Until now, the only reliable way to measure blood alcohol concentration has been through clinical laboratory tests, which are time-consuming, costly, and require special instruments and skills.

Many medical drugs interact with alcohol. To avoid adverse reactions or administer the correct dosage, information on blood alcohol concentration is essential.

Symptoms like those of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke can resemble those of a drunk person, especially if the patient smells of alcohol. Therefore, the time to get the correct diagnosis is critical. In rural areas or during peak traffic times, transporting the patient and conducting laboratory tests can take hours.

Economic Savings in the Field and Laboratory

Albio™ offers significant economic benefits. The tests are 4 to 40 times cheaper than current methods, potentially saving €15 to €125 per test. Additionally, savings come from reduced transport (fewer unnecessary ambulance trips) and reduced workload for staff and laboratories.

No Need for Costly Calibration

Albio™ does not require any expensive maintenance as the measurement unit (the measuring machine) self-calibrates with a strip included in each bottle of test strips, performed once per bottle.

Speed and Reliability

Albio™ provides a reliable and validated result in 25 seconds, enabling appropriate diagnosis and faster treatment, which are key factors in proper patient care, for example, in stroke cases. Albio™ measures quantitatively in a range of 0.00 - 5.00 ‰ (0-500 mg/dL) with high precision.

Significant Improvement Over Existing Methods

A breath analyzer is currently the only alcohol detector in ambulances. However, it has certain weaknesses. Measuring alcohol in a patient’s breath often does not reflect the blood concentration. The accuracy of a breathalyzer is affected by recent drinking, smoking, and even eating through residues in the oral mucosa. Unconscious patients, those with head injuries, or hysterical individuals may not breathe adequately into the breathalyzer. Every emergency professional knows how difficult it is to get a proper blow from an intoxicated patient.

Albio™ complies with the requirements of different international standards and authorities. Moreover, Albio™ is designed to operate in field conditions.

Who Is Albio™ For?

The Albio™ product is a tool for paramedics and emergency rooms, providing accurate information for crucial treatment and medication decisions. Naturally, through quick treatment and correct decisions by professionals, patients will benefit the most from Albio™.

Alcohol is the most used drug worldwide. Over 45% of paramedic and emergency room patients have been drinking. Alcohol is also a significant factor in treatment methods and medications. Until now, the only reliable way to get information on blood alcohol levels has been clinical laboratory tests. Unfortunately, these tests are time-consuming, costly, and require special instruments and trained personnel. Albio™ provides reliable results in 25 seconds. It is at least 10 times cheaper and does not require special skills or expensive clinical laboratory instruments.

Medical and Emergency Professionals

Albio™ is primarily designed for paramedics, emergency personnel, and medical professionals who need to make quick and accurate decisions about treating potentially intoxicated patients. It is also used to confirm a person’s status if required by a Public Authority on-site.

Health Centers and Hospitals

Emergency departments and laboratories can also greatly benefit from the speed and accuracy of Albio™, allowing for better patient care and treatment.

Conclusion

The arrival of Albio™ in Spain, brought by UpViser Spain, marks a significant milestone in blood alcohol measurement technology. With its precision, speed, and ease of use, Albio™ is set to transform how health and emergency professionals manage and treat alcohol intoxication.

We are proud to be the exclusive distributors of this innovative tool in Spain and look forward to helping save lives and improve healthcare across the country.

Discover more about Albio™ and how it can benefit your organization by visiting our website at www.upviser.es or contacting us directly:
info@upviser.es
+34 603 230 087