Pharma giant Roche has announced the launch of the new cobas 6800/8800 systems version 2.0 and software version 2.0.1, following US FDA clearance earlier this year. This reinforces Roche’s position at the forefront of molecular diagnostics.

 

The update promises to revolutionize laboratory workflows by optimizing resources, reducing downtime, consolidating test menus, and significantly increasing throughput—delivering a smoother diagnostics experience for healthcare professionals and patients alike.

 

"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," said Brad Moore, President and CEO, Roche Diagnostics North America. 

 

"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 2.0 update expands the majority of the cobas test menu and delivers major gains in throughput, efficiency, flexibility, system security, and user experience. 

 

Notable enhancements include the ability to run up to six unique assays per run and up to six assays per sample, maximizing testing capacity. Laboratories can now simultaneously run Laboratory Developed Tests (LDT) and In-Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) assays, simplifying logistics and accelerating results.

 

For cobas 6800 systems, an optional second analytic unit can boost daily throughput to 2,112 tests, helping labs manage high testing volumes and adapt quickly to shifting priorities without disrupting workflows.