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Getting Roche cobas b 123 blood gas results into your EHR or LIS
Quick answer
Yes. Roche lists POCT1-A and ASTM as the interface protocols of the cobas b 123 POC system, and the analyser takes a network cable. The Catenix gateway receives each blood gas result on your network and passes it to the EHR or LIS. Which of the two protocols your analyser is set to, and its network details, are confirmed during setup.
The cobas b 123 is a compact blood gas analyser for near-patient and laboratory use: intensive care, emergency rooms, neonatal units, theatres and dialysis units. Depending on configuration it measures pH, blood gases, electrolytes, haematocrit, glucose and lactate, and with the oximeter module total haemoglobin, its derivatives, oxygen saturation and neonatal bilirubin. That comes to 17 measured and 40 calculated parameters.
It runs up to 30 samples an hour from a syringe or capillary. The full panel needs 123 microlitres of whole blood, and micro modes cut that to as little as 25 microlitres for CO-oximetry alone. Three consumables do the work: a sensor cartridge, a fluid pack sized for 200, 400 or 700 tests, and an optional AutoQC pack.
| What | How Catenix handles it |
|---|---|
| Versions | Four: with or without AutoQC and oximeter modules |
| Measured | Blood gas, Na, K, Ca, Cl, Hct, glucose, lactate; CO-oximetry and bilirubin optional |
| Sample volume | 25 to 123 uL whole blood |
| Throughput | Up to 30 samples/hour |
| Interface protocols | POCT1-A and ASTM |
| Connections | Network cable, USB, barcode scanner |
| Size | 32 cm wide, 47 cm high; 24.5 kg with packs fitted |
AutoQC ampoules and where their results go
On versions 2 and 4 an AutoQC module runs controls with no member of staff opening an ampoule: each pack holds 24, eight at each of three levels. Control ranges are entered by scanning barcodes.
Where those control results are transmitted, Catenix files them as QC, never under a patient, grades them with Westgard rules and plots them on Levey-Jennings charts. A failed level holds patient results for the affected parameter until it is dealt with.
A movable analyser on a wired link
Roche sells an optional mobility cart with a UPS so the b 123 can be wheeled to wherever it is needed. The data link Roche documents is a network cable, though, so plan a live network point at each place the cart will stand.
Once plugged in, the gateway picks the connection up again without help. If the site's internet link fails, blood gas results are kept on site and sent on when it returns, and the message behind each result is stored with it.
Micro samples, patient IDs and unmatched results
In micro mode the b 123 reports a reduced panel, so only the parameters actually measured appear in the EHR; each one is mapped to its EHR code during setup. Catenix files every result against the patient ID that arrives with it and keeps the operator ID where the analyser sends one. A blood gas with an unknown ID waits for review instead of being filed.
Roche and cobas b 123 are trademarks of their owners. Catenix is an independent connectivity provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by Roche.
Questions people ask
Does the cobas b 123 use POCT1-A or ASTM?
Roche lists both as interface protocols. The one your analyser is configured for is confirmed during setup.
Does every cobas b 123 have AutoQC?
No. The AutoQC module is fitted on versions 2 and 4; versions 1 and 3 do not have it.
How much blood does the cobas b 123 need?
123 microlitres for the full panel with CO-oximetry, down to 25 microlitres for CO-oximetry alone in micro mode.
Related: Roche cobas b 221 connection · Radiometer ABL90 connection · POCT1-A2 guide · Device library
Product and company names are trademarks of their owners and are used for identification only. Catenix moves, stores and displays results with traceability; it does not interpret results or give clinical advice. Reviewed November 2026.
Tell us your setup
Send us your analyser and the system you want results in, and we will confirm how it connects, usually within one working day. Ask about your setup.