EPOC Vs iStat

The short answer:
The Epoc is basically the iSTAT version 2.  Both were created/invented by the same person.  The Epoc has some improvements.

The Abbott Cal/Vers don't all reach the AMR of all the analytes and alternate products are required to validate them.  We used  Eurotrol for pCO2 for the low end and pO2 on the high end for this reason.  Both were required to keep our NICU happy with the AMR on the ISTAT.
This isn't necessary on the Epoc for us.

Siemens pH Cal/vers MEAN levels range from 6.6 to 7.8, each lot is slightly different.
Abbott pH Cal/Vers MEAN levels ragne from 6.5 to 7.9, each lot is slightly different. 

Concur with Jeremy - iSTAT pH cal ver goes to 6.5.

Our NICU is also looking at the istat for their very low birth weight babies. Has anyone had issues with sampling errors with either the istat or epoc? Thanks!

Lois, 

Having a large NICU in a system that has used or is using the iSTAT, Epoc and Prime Plus:

The NICU samples do have a higher rate of sample errors vs the adult patient samples which is largely due to the users attempting to draw the very minimum amount needed to run the assay and occasionally they miss judge.  This is more noticeable with staff  that have less experience with the system and improves with time.
The iSTAT doesn't perform the cartrdige Cal/Ver until the specimen has been loaded, if there is a problem the sample is lost.

The Epoc cal/ver's the cartridge prior to sample inoculation, thus saving the sample if the cartridge is bad.

Both systems can be improperly loaded by the user and result in the analyzer throwing sample errors.

Thank you that is extremely helpful information!

@ Jeremy- Are you using the Care-fill capillary tubes for the neonate EPOCs? If so, I'm wondering how they have been working out for you.
We have them for our neonates, but it seems like getting a proper sample can be difficult. 

@ Gloria,  Yes, we use Epoc's Care-fill capillary tubes collection devices. I've given your question and email address to our primary RT educator.   She will be able help better than I could on the techniques of using them.  Hope you don't mind.