The new cobas® 6800/8800 systems version 2.0 and software version 2.0.1

• The new cobas® 6800/8800 systems version 2.0 and software version 2.0.1 enhances throughput, run flexibility, enables sample prioritization and is available as an upgrade to existing systems.

• Laboratories can now perform a greater variety of tests per run, simplifying laboratory logistics and helping to optimize the use of resources.

• The update addresses critical industry challenges, such as staffing shortages, rising costs and menu fragmentation, while optimizing the user experience across the cobas molecular portfolio.

We are pleased to announce the launch of the new cobas® 6800/8800 systems version 2.0 and software version 2.0.1, following the Health Canada clearance earlier this year. The update greatly enhances the efficiency of laboratories by optimizing resources, reducing downtime, consolidating test menus and increasing throughput. These improvements support a more streamlined diagnostics experience for healthcare professionals and their patients.

 This update is significant because it not only allows for new innovation in PCR-testing technology and more choices in omni-channel testing, but it also addresses some key improvements that customers have told us are high priorities for them. All of these updates and improvements can be made to existing 6800/8800 systems through the software upgrade, providing higher throughput to laboratories with the same footprint and delivering more flexibility to physicians and patients. 

The complete cobas® test menu is available with the release of the 2.0 update, which delivers significant enhancements in throughput, flexibility, efficiency and system security, along with a modernized user interface. 

• New features include an increase in unique assays per run (from three to six) and the flexibility to run up to six assays per sample, maximizing throughput with a broader assay menu. 

• A key advantage is the ability to simultaneously run both Laboratory Developed Tests (LDT), Research Use only (RUO) and In-Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) assays, simplifying laboratory logistics.

• Additionally, the option for a second analytic unit on cobas® 6800 systems boosts throughput up to 2,112 tests per day, supporting testing volume and variety. This enables labs to keep up with the increased demand for testing and adapt quickly to shifting priorities without disrupting workflows or impacting productivity.

The cobas® 6800/8800 systems are designed to address challenges faced by mid- to high-volume molecular testing laboratories. With this upgrade, the cobas® family of molecular solutions provides a unified user experience, incorporating key innovations from the newest addition to the family, the cobas® 5800 system.