EKF Diagnostics
EKF Diagnostics is a Germany-headquartered manufacturer of point-of-care blood analyzers for glucose, HbA1c, lactate, hemoglobin, and hematocrit, serving diabetes clinics, hospitals, blood banks, sports medicine, and veterinary customers across 100+ countries under UK-listed EKF Diagnostics Holdings plc.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1990
- HeadquartersBarleben, Germany
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What EKF Diagnostics does
EKF Diagnostics is a global in-vitro diagnostics manufacturer specializing in point-of-care (POC) blood analyzers. Founded in 1990 in Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt, and reorganized in 2011 under UK-listed EKF Diagnostics Holdings plc (London Stock Exchange), the company operates its manufacturing at EKF-diagnostic GmbH in Barleben, Germany, with regional subsidiaries in the USA (Newark), Russia (Moscow), and China (Beijing), and over 300 employees worldwide.
Its product portfolio centers on portable and benchtop analyzers for glucose, HbA1c, lactate, hemoglobin, and hematocrit across diabetology, hematology, sports medicine, veterinary medicine, and women's health. Core hardware includes the Biosen C-Line (glucose/lactate), Quo-Test and Quo-Lab (HbA1c in 4 minutes from 4 μL whole blood), DiaSpect Tm (reagent-free hemoglobin in ~1 second using white-LED optics), Hemo Control (azidmethemoglobin dry-reagent cuvettes with 570nm/880nm measurement), Hemo Vet (veterinary), Lactate Scout Sport, and Crematocrit Plus. The platform also encompasses PrimeStore MTM — a patented, FDA Class II-cleared, IVD CE-marked molecular transport medium that inactivates SARS-CoV-2, influenza, HIV, and TB while preserving DNA/RNA at room temperature for up to 7 days, and EKF Link as a connectivity module. Technical differentiators rest on chemistry (guanidinthiocyanat inactivation), reagent-free optical sensing, and dry-reagent cuvette architectures.
Revenue is generated through a combination of analyzer hardware sales and recurring consumables (cuvettes, reagents, PrimeStore MTM tubes with 24-month shelf life vs. <6 months for standard VTM/UTM), creating an annuity layer atop the installed base. Distribution is multi-channel: enterprise field sales, a network of 200+ dealers across 100+ countries, a strategic distribution agreement with Tosoh Europe N.V. for Middle East and Africa, and a direct-to-consumer e-commerce storefront (lactatescout.shop). A 14-day free-trial offering supports SMB practice acquisition. End customers span diabetes clinics, doctor's offices, hospitals, blood banks, sports performance centers, veterinary practices, and — for PrimeStore MTM — healthcare, education, and industrial COVID-19 testing programs.
EKF Diagnostics firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- EKF Diagnostics
- Legal name
- EKF-diagnostic GmbH
- Website
- https://ekfdiagnostics.de
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1990
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- EKF Diagnostics is a Germany-headquartered manufacturer of point-of-care blood analyzers for glucose, HbA1c, lactate, hemoglobin, and hematocrit, serving diabetes clinics, hospitals, blood banks, sports medicine, and veterinary customers across 100+ countries under UK-listed EKF Diagnostics Holdings plc.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
EKF Diagnostics industry classification
Industry- Product category
- In-Vitro Diagnostics / Point-of-Care Blood Analyzers
- NAICS
- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), In-Vitro Diagnostic Substance Manufacturing (325413)
- SIC
- Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), In Vitro & In Vivo Diagnostic Substances (2835), Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Clinical Chemistry & Hematology Diagnostics (automated analyzers, blood testing) (HLAAALAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Reference Laboratory Testing (Clinical Pathology & Chemistry) (HLAMADAA), Molecular POCT / NAAT Systems (PCR/Isothermal platforms & cartridges) (HLAHAOAI)
Keywords
Where EKF Diagnostics is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Barleben
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices5 records
Markets served
EKF Diagnostics business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- POC Diagnostic Analyzers: Sale of point-of-care diagnostic devices including Biosen C-Line, Quo-Test, Quo-Lab, DiaSpect Tm, Hemo Control, and Lactate Scout Sport for measuring glucose, HbA1c, lactate, hemoglobin, and hematocrit parameters.
- Consumables and Reagents: Recurring revenue from single-use cuvettes, reagents, and PrimeStore MTM tubes for molecular sample collection and transport. PrimeStore MTM has 24-month shelf life compared to less than 6 months for standard VTM/UTM.
- COVID-19 Testing Solutions: PrimeStore MTM molecular transport medium for COVID-19 and influenza testing programs. Volume-driven sales to healthcare, education, and industrial sector customers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | One time/ perpetual license | 14-day free trial available for POC devices in medical practices |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
EKF Diagnostics product offering
Product offeringCore offering
EKF Diagnostics manufactures and sells point-of-care (POC) blood diagnostic analyzers for measuring glucose, HbA1c, lactate, hemoglobin, and hematocrit across diabetology, hematology, sports medicine, veterinary medicine, and maternal care settings. Its product portfolio includes the Biosen C-Line, Quo-Test, Quo-Lab, DiaSpect Tm, Hemo Control, Hemo Vet, and Lactate Scout Sport analyzers, plus PrimeStore MTM, an FDA Class II cleared and IVD CE-marked molecular transport medium for safe inactivation and transport of infectious samples in molecular diagnostics. The offering is complemented by EKF Link connectivity software and a recurring consumables stream (cuvettes, reagents, MTM tubes).
Product overview
EKF Diagnostics is a global in vitro diagnostics company specializing in point-of-care (POC) blood testing analyzers manufactured in Germany. The product portfolio centers on portable and benchtop analyzers for measuring glucose, HbA1c, lactate, hemoglobin, and hematocrit across diabetology, hematology, sports medicine, and veterinary applications. Key products include the Biosen C-Line for glucose/lactate, Quo-Test and Quo-Lab for HbA1c, DiaSpect Tm and Hemo Control for hemoglobin/hematocrit, and Lactate Scout Sport for lactate. The company also offers PrimeStore MTM, an FDA-approved molecular transport medium for safe sample inactivation and nucleic acid preservation in molecular diagnostics. EKF Link provides connectivity between analyzers and external systems. Over 80,000 analyzers are in regular use across more than 100 countries, with production based in Barleben, Germany.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- PrimeStore MTM (Molecular Transport Medium) FDA-approved Class II molecular transport medium that inactivates viruses (including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, HIV, TB), bacteria, fungi, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis while preserving DNA and RNA for molecular diagnostics, supporting qPCR and Next-Generation-Sequencing applications. Targeted at hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, public health agencies, and molecular diagnostics service providers.
- Biosen C-Line
Quantifiable outcome
- DiaSpect Tm delivers hemoglobin results in approximately 1 second
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use EKF Diagnostics
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
EKF Diagnostics technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
EKF Diagnostics partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Tosoh Europe N.V.coreThree-year distribution agreement for Quo-Test HbA1c point-of-care analyzer covering Middle East and Africa markets. Tosoh Europe, one of the world's largest HPLC manufacturers, expands into POC HbA1c testing while EKF gains access to Tosoh's established laboratory customer base. Tosoh's analyzers are commonly used for comparison and validation of POC devices like Quo-Test. Agreement can be extended for additional one-year periods and potentially expanded to EU countries.
- Yourgene HealthcoreInternational molecular diagnostics company using PrimeStore MTM for delivery of COVID-19 testing kits to schools, universities, and corporate clients. Dr. Sean Sales, Head of Genomic Services at Yourgene Health, stated: 'Safety was the main reason we chose PrimeStore MTM. The MTM inactivates the SARS-CoV-2 virus and stabilizes the RNA, enabling safe handling of incoming samples that could contain a Group 3 pathogen in a Class II MSW.' Yourgene invests in laboratory facilities to test tens of thousands of samples per month.
- University of LeicesterminorUK university using PrimeStore MTM for COVID-19 testing program for students as part of pandemic response measures.
- Source BioScienceminorISO:15189 certified laboratory testing services provider for UK NHS (National Health Service) and private healthcare sector. Using PrimeStore MTM for safe sample collection in COVID-19 testing programs.
- Public Health England (PHE)coreUK government health authority that published independent study validating PrimeStore MTM effectiveness for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation. Study tested 23 commercially available reagents and found PrimeStore MTM was the only reagent where no residual virus was detectable via TCID50 or blind passage. PHE validation provided scientific credibility for PrimeStore MTM's safety claims.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
EKF Diagnostics competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Siemens Healthineers: Siemens Healthineers offers the DCA Vantage HbA1c analyzer and the epoc blood gas system, directly competing with EKF's Quo-Test/Quo-Lab. As a much larger diversified IVD incumbent, Siemens bundles POC analyzers with central lab and imaging portfolios.
- Abbott Point of Care: Abbott's i-STAT system and Piccolo Xpress analyzers compete with EKF's POC portfolio across hospital point-of-care settings. Abbott is a broad IVD incumbent with significantly greater resources, hospital relationships, and menu breadth than EKF.
- Bio-Rad Laboratories: Bio-Rad manufactures the Variant II and D-10 HPLC systems for HbA1c testing, which compete with EKF's POC HbA1c analyzers at the laboratory and clinic interface. As an established clinical diagnostics player, Bio-Rad brings broader menus and reference lab relationships.
- Roche Diagnostics: Roche's cobas b101 POC HbA1c analyzer and Accu-Chek glucose meters compete directly with EKF's Quo-Test and glucose offerings. As the largest global IVD player, Roche has substantial R&D scale, distribution, and bundling power that EKF must compete against.
- Radiometer (Danaher): Radiometer, owned by Danaher, sells blood gas and immunoassay POC analyzers (ABL, AQT) used in hospital near-patient settings. It competes with EKF's broader POC analyzer portfolio in clinical chemistry and hematology at the point of care.
Direct peers
- HemoCue: HemoCue (a Danaher subsidiary) is a direct competitor in point-of-care hemoglobin and glucose testing, with product lines that overlap EKF's DiaSpect Tm and Hemo Control analyzers across blood banks, clinics, and anemia screening programs.
- Nova Biomedical: Nova Biomedical manufactures POC glucose and lactate analyzers (StatStrip, Lactate Plus) with overlapping customer profiles in sports medicine, diabetes clinics, and hospitals—the same core use cases EKF serves with its Biosen C-Line and Lactate Scout Sport products.
- Trinity Biotech: Trinity Biotech specializes in HbA1c and clinical chemistry diagnostics including POC platforms (formerly PTS Diagnostics). It directly competes with EKF's Quo-Test/Quo-Lab in diabetes management settings, particularly in the US market.
Emerging players
- DiaSys Diagnostic Systems: DiaSys Diagnostic Systems manufactures clinical chemistry reagents and analyzers with overlapping diagnostic menu (glucose, HbA1c, lactate) for hospital and reference lab settings. While more reagent-focused than EKF, it overlaps in several of EKF's clinical chemistry POC use cases.
- Erba Mannheim: Erba Mannheim produces clinical chemistry analyzers and reagents (e.g., XL series) with comparable menu coverage to EKF's clinical chemistry offerings. Operating from Germany and serving emerging markets, Erba is a smaller but adjacent competitor in IVD chemistry and hematology niches.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
EKF Diagnostics social profiles
Digital presenceEKF Diagnostics financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
EKF Diagnostics leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
EKF Diagnostics subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries4 records
EKF Diagnostics funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
EKF Diagnostics M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about EKF Diagnostics
What does EKF Diagnostics do?
EKF Diagnostics manufactures and sells point-of-care (POC) blood diagnostic analyzers for measuring glucose, HbA1c, lactate, hemoglobin, and hematocrit across diabetology, hematology, sports medicine, veterinary medicine, and maternal care settings. Its product portfolio includes the Biosen C-Line, Quo-Test, Quo-Lab, DiaSpect Tm, Hemo Control, Hemo Vet, and Lactate Scout Sport analyzers, plus PrimeStore MTM, an FDA Class II cleared and IVD CE-marked molecular transport medium for safe inactivation and transport of infectious samples in molecular diagnostics. The offering is complemented by EKF Link connectivity software and a recurring consumables stream (cuvettes, reagents, MTM tubes).
Is EKF Diagnostics a public or private company?
EKF Diagnostics is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was EKF Diagnostics founded?
EKF Diagnostics was founded in 1990. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is EKF Diagnostics based?
EKF Diagnostics is headquartered in Barleben, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does EKF Diagnostics make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. POC Diagnostic Analyzers are the primary driver. The others are consumables and Reagents and COVID-19 Testing Solutions.
Who are EKF Diagnostics's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Siemens Healthineers, Abbott Point of Care, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Roche Diagnostics and Radiometer (Danaher). Direct peers are HemoCue, Nova Biomedical and Trinity Biotech. Emerging players are DiaSys Diagnostic Systems and Erba Mannheim.
Does EKF Diagnostics have an API?
No public API is recorded for EKF Diagnostics.
What industry is EKF Diagnostics in?
EKF Diagnostics's product category is In-Vitro Diagnostics / Point-of-Care Blood Analyzers. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAAALAH, Clinical Chemistry & Hematology Diagnostics (automated analyzers, blood testing), with a secondary code of HLAMADAA, Reference Laboratory Testing (Clinical Pathology & Chemistry). Its NAICS code is 334516 and its SIC code is 3826.