Klinogicare® StarLab

Klinogicare® StarLab portable biochemical analyzer

CK and biomarker monitoring in 10 minutes

Early-warning biomarker

Monitoring of creatine kinase

Monitoring CK levels can help identify early signs of muscle overload. A rise in CK may serve as an indicator for adjusting training loads and supporting injury-risk reduction.

Used on the ISS

Exceptional reliability

The device technology is used on the International Space Station (ISS), reflecting its suitability for environments where precision, reliability, and system stability are especially important.

Microfluidics

Lab-on-a-Chip technology

Lab-on-a-chip technology enables quantitative analysis from a small sample volume, with rapid results and strong data reproducibility.

Klinogicare® StarLab POCT testing system in use

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Injury-risk reduction strategy

Klinogicare® StarLab integrated into the protocols of professional sports clubs

Rapid diagnostics | On-site

Pricing available on request (analyzer + annual reagent kit)

The Klinogicare® StarLab delivers quantitative in vitro testing of clinical chemistry analytes using whole blood, lithium-heparin plasma, or serum. Each test requires just 100 µL of sample (about three or four drops) and delivers quantitative results in 7-13 minutes.

Designed specifically for point-of-care testing (POCT), the system features a multilingual interface and wireless Wi-Fi updates. It can serve as an operational complement to the central laboratory while remaining fully portable for sideline, locker room, or travel use. Product appearance may vary depending on the delivery region. Technical and functional specifications are identical across all versions.

Per-season economic benefit calculator

(Use the sliders below to adjust your values)

Cost of the analyzer and consumables:

$20,000

$20,000$30,000

Player's monthly salary:

$80,000

$10,000$200,000

Number of injuries per season:

115

Total salary loss due to the player's absence:

$200,000

Estimated savings with Klinogicare® StarLab:

$180,000

Early detection of overload signals may help reduce the risk of muscle injuries and optimize recovery times, with a potential positive impact on a club's financial management.

A club incurs direct financial losses when a player is sidelined, even for a short time. The value of the sporting asset declines, while salary obligations remain unchanged.

Monitoring CK and other biomarkers can help detect overload earlier, adjust the training load and reduce the likelihood of muscle damage.

Salary obligations

When a player is unavailable, the club keeps paying their salary for the entire time out.

Recovery time

The average recovery time for a muscle injury is 2 weeks or more.

Cumulative economic effect

The cost of the StarLab analyzer may be offset even with a limited reduction in days out, depending on the athlete's salary and the club's context.

The athlete's salary (point 01), paid throughout the time out (point 02), creates a direct financial loss for each injury. Multiplying this figure by the number of injuries in the season gives an estimate of total losses. Klinogicare® StarLab is designed to provide objective data that can help the medical team better manage the athlete's risk and availability.

Example: with a monthly salary of $80,000 and 5 injuries per season, total losses amount to $200,000.

Periodic biochemical monitoring can help teams move from reactive decisions to proactive risk management, which may contribute to fewer injuries and improved sports performance.

Useful links:

Howden Group report

Risk Factors for Muscle Injury: The UEFA Study

Study on risk factors in professional football

Technical data

Technical specifications

Klinogicare® StarLab POCT system gallery

01 / 05

Klinogicare® POCT system

Portable biochemical analyzer based on microfluidics technology

Analyzer dimensions	W × D × H: 21 × 12 × 18 cm / 8.27 × 4.92 × 6.89 in
Weight	2.9 kg / 6.39 lbs
Operating mode	Continuous
Operating ambient temperature	10-30 °C (50-86 °F), indoor use
Atmospheric pressure	86.0 kPa - 106.0 kPa / Up to 2000 m (6562 ft)
Air humidity	40% - 85%
Power consumption	120 VA
Mains voltage	100-240 V AC, 50-60 Hz
Reaction temperature	37 °C (98.6 °F)

Note: Product appearance may vary depending on the delivery region. Technical and functional specifications are identical across all versions.

Design principle

Clinically Engineered. Driven by science. Built for the practice.

Test types (panels)

Panel	Analytes
General chemistry I	TP ALB GLO ALB/GLO ALT AST TBIL DBIL IBIL TG CHOL HDL-C LDL-C GLU CRE UREA UA
Clinical emergency panel	AST CK CK-MB LDH α-HBDH GLU AMY CRE UA K+ Na+ Cl- CO2
Renal function panel	ALB CRE UREA UA Ca2+ P CO2
Liver function panel	TP ALB GLO ALB/GLO ALT AST GGT ALP TBIL DBIL IBIL
Cardiac enzyme panel	AST CK CK-MB LDH α-HBDH
Electrolyte panel	K+ Na+ Cl- Ca2+ P Mg2+ CO2
Glucose and lipid panel	TG CHOL HDL-C LDL-C GLU GSP
GLU, lipids and HCY panel	TG CHOL HDL-C LDL-C GLU HCY
General chemistry II	GLU AMY CRE UREA K+ Na+ Cl- CO2
Liver and renal function	TP ALB GLO ALB/GLO ALT AST GGT TBIL GLU CRE UREA
Ammonia panel	NH3
General chemistry IV	TP ALB GLO ALB/GLO ALT AST GGT ALP TBIL DBIL IBIL TG CHOL HDL-C LDL-C GLU CRE UREA UA

Muscle damage

CK, AST, LDH and α-HBDH help assess the degree of muscle stress and the risk of injury after intense exertion.

Recovery and catabolism

TP, ALB, UREA and UA provide information on protein metabolism, the quality of recovery and the risk of excessive catabolism.

Electrolyte balance

K+, Na+, Cl- and CO2 reflect fluid and electrolyte balance, exercise tolerance and the risk of performance loss due to dehydration.

Energy metabolism

GLU, TG, CHOL, HDL-C and LDL-C help monitor energy availability, the lipid profile and overall metabolic adaptation.

The role of biomarkers in medicine and sports training, including their use to assess physical condition, guide training and reduce the risk of injury.

General chemistry panel I

TP (Total Protein) - total protein Recovery

TP = total protein resource of the body

In sports, the total protein level is important for assessing recovery and the overall condition of the body.

ALB (Albumin) - albumin Recovery

ALB = substance transport and protein status

Albumin is responsible for transporting substances in the blood, and its level helps assess the condition of the liver and kidneys. In athletes, a drop in albumin may indicate overtraining or insufficient nutrition.

GLO (Globulin) - globulins Recovery

GLO = immune and inflammatory reactivity

Globulins play an important role in the immune system, and their level helps assess recovery after exertion and the inflammatory response of the body.

ALB/GLO (Albumin/Globulin Ratio) - albumin/globulin ratio Balance

ALB/GLO = protein balance and inflammatory status

This ratio shows the balance between the main blood proteins. A reduced ratio may indicate inflammatory processes or changes in immune function.

ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) - alanine aminotransferase Liver

ALT ↑ = overload of the liver or muscle tissue

ALT is an enzyme used to assess liver function. In athletes, an elevated value may indicate muscle damage after intense effort.

AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) - aspartate aminotransferase Muscles

AST ↑ = muscle or liver damage

AST is also important for assessing the condition of muscle and liver tissue. In sports, an elevated AST value is usually associated with intense training and muscle damage.

TBIL (Total Bilirubin) - total bilirubin Liver

TBIL = overall bilirubin metabolism

Bilirubin reflects liver function. In athletes, an increase may be related to altered hemoglobin metabolism from prolonged effort.

DBIL (Direct Bilirubin) - direct bilirubin Liver

DBIL ↑ = biliary excretion and liver overload

An elevated direct bilirubin value may indicate changes in biliary or liver function, especially during intense effort.

IBIL (Indirect Bilirubin) - indirect bilirubin Hemolysis

IBIL ↑ = breakdown of red blood cells due to exertion

Indirect bilirubin may rise due to increased breakdown of red blood cells, which is relevant for athletes with high aerobic loads.

TG (Triglycerides) - triglycerides Metabolism

TG = lipid metabolism and nutrition

The blood triglyceride level helps assess cardiovascular risk, especially in athletes with a high-calorie diet.

CHOL (Cholesterol) - cholesterol Metabolism

CHOL = lipid profile monitoring

Monitoring cholesterol values is important for maintaining cardiovascular health, especially in athletes with a high-fat diet.

HDL-C - high-density lipoprotein ("good cholesterol") Cardiovascular risk

HDL-C ↑ = more favorable lipid profile

A high HDL value is beneficial for athletes, as it is associated with a lower cardiovascular risk.

LDL-C - low-density lipoprotein ("bad cholesterol") Cardiovascular risk

LDL-C ↑ = risk of atherosclerosis

An elevated LDL value increases the risk of atherosclerosis. For athletes, it is important to keep LDL within the normal range.

GLU (Glucose) - glucose Energy

GLU = energy availability for performance

Glucose is the main energy source. In athletes, glucose levels help assess availability for training and the risk of hypoglycemia.

CRE (Creatinine) - creatinine Exertion

CRE ↑ = dehydration, muscle or renal overload

A marker of renal function. In athletes, elevated creatinine values may indicate overtraining or dehydration.

UREA (Urea) - urea Catabolism

UREA ↑ = increased protein breakdown

An indicator of protein catabolism. Elevated values may indicate increased protein breakdown and insufficient recovery.

UA (Uric Acid) - uric acid Exertion

UA ↑ = cellular breakdown and intense effort

An elevated uric acid value may indicate increased cellular breakdown during intense exertion.

Clinical emergency panel

AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) - aspartate aminotransferase Muscles

AST ↑ = sign of muscle damage after strength training

Important for assessing muscle tissue damage after strength training.

CK (Creatine Kinase) - creatine kinase Muscles

CK ↑ = primary marker of muscle damage

A primary marker of muscle damage. Elevated CK values are seen after intense exertion and can serve as an indicator of overload, insufficient recovery, and increased injury risk.

CK-MB (Creatine Kinase-MB) - creatine kinase-MB Heart

CK-MB = assessment of heart muscle

Specific to the heart muscle. It is used to assess heart muscle damage, which is especially relevant when cardiac problems are suspected after intense training.

LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase) - lactate dehydrogenase Muscles

LDH ↑ = tissue damage and high exertion

An elevated LDH value indicates cellular damage, both muscular and cardiac, which is important for assessing the athlete after intense effort.

α-HBDH (α-Hydroxybutyrate Dehydrogenase) - α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase Heart and muscles

α-HBDH ↑ = damage to cardiac and muscle tissue

A marker of damage to cardiac and muscle tissue. It can rise after prolonged exertion.

GLU (Glucose) - glucose Energy

GLU ↓ = energy deficit during aerobic effort

Reflects the state of energy metabolism. A drop in level may be due to prolonged aerobic effort.

AMY (Amylase) - amylase Metabolism

AMY = digestive and stress-related marker

Amylase may be elevated in response to physiological stress, dehydration, or digestive factors.

CRE (Creatinine) - creatinine Exertion

CRE ↑ = muscle overload or renal stress

An elevated creatinine value may indicate muscle overload or kidney problems.

UA (Uric Acid) - uric acid Catabolism

UA ↑ = intense cellular breakdown

An elevated value may be due to intense training that causes cellular breakdown.

K+ (Potassium) - potassium Electrolytes

K+ = muscle contractility and cardiac function

Potassium is important for the functioning of the muscles and heart. Its values influence muscle contraction and recovery after training.

Na+ (Sodium) - sodium Electrolytes

Na+ = fluid and electrolyte balance

Sodium regulates fluid and electrolyte balance. Sodium values can change in cases of dehydration, which is critically important for athletes training in warm climate conditions.

Cl- (Chloride) - chloride Electrolytes

Cl- = acid-base and fluid balance

Chloride takes part in maintaining acid-base balance and body fluid balance, which is important for physical activity.

CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) - carbon dioxide Acid-base balance

CO2 = acid-base balance

An indicator of acid-base balance. Relevant for assessing the athlete during high-intensity effort.

In sports practice, biomarkers should not be interpreted in isolation, but as part of an integrated assessment. For example, CK + AST + LDH help assess muscle damage, GLU + TG + CHOL reflect energy and lipid metabolism, while Na+ + K+ + Cl- + CO2 indicate fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance.

Overview of biomarkers and technologies.
Which option is better: dry chemistry or microfluidics?

Dry chemistry

A simple test format that uses reagents pre-applied to strips, plates, or chips.

Microfluidics

A technology for the precise control of small liquid volumes in microscale channels with integrated processing.

Which to choose

For simple rapid tests, dry chemistry is sufficient. For greater precision, multi-analyte assays, and automation, microfluidics is often the preferred option.

For sports

In sports medicine, technologies that allow a more precise assessment of muscle damage and training loads are preferred.

Dry chemistry

Simple test format with pre-applied reagents

Dry chemistry is an analytical method based on reagents pre-applied to solid surfaces such as strips, plates, or chips. When a biological sample is added (for example, a drop of blood or urine), the reagent reacts with the target components of the sample, and the result can be determined visually or with a dedicated reader.

Key features of dry chemistry:

Simple handling. Dry-chemistry tests usually do not require complex equipment or highly qualified personnel.

Minimal sample amount. Usually only a small amount of biological material is needed (for example, 10-250 µL).

Speed. Results can be obtained within a few minutes.

Compactness and portability. Often in the form of test strips that can be used not only in laboratories but also in clinics and at the point of care.

Application examples: test strips for measuring blood glucose, pregnancy tests, rapid infectious-disease tests, as well as creatine kinase monitoring, widely used in sports medicine to assess muscle damage.

Microfluidics

High-precision technology for working with small liquid volumes

Microfluidics is a technology based on the manipulation of very small liquid volumes (microliters and nanoliters) in microscale channels, generally on microfluidic chips. This technology can perform complex analyses on small samples by integrating different stages of the process (such as mixing, reaction, and detection) into a single device, including multi-component testing.

Key features of microfluidics:

High precision and control. Microfluidics allows precise control of liquid flow and reagent interaction, which improves the quality and reproducibility of results; it is suitable for complex multi-analyte testing, with precision higher than that of dry chemistry.

Miniaturization and integration. Several laboratory processes can be integrated into a single microfluidic device, reducing the need for sample and reagent volumes. Only minimal sample volumes are required (a few microliters), which is especially useful in pediatrics, sports medicine, and research, where it is difficult to obtain large volumes.

Speed and efficiency. Thanks to minimal volumes and high processing speed, microfluidic devices can deliver results much faster than conventional laboratory methods, typically in 7-13 minutes.

Flexibility and multifunctionality. Microfluidic systems can be adapted to a wide range of tests, including biochemical, cellular, and molecular applications.

Integration and automation. The technology can integrate several analysis stages on a single chip (for example, sample preparation, reaction, and detection), which reduces human error and improves overall efficiency.

Application examples: diagnostics based on DNA and RNA analysis (real-time PCR), including Lab-on-a-Chip systems, complex analyses of metabolites, proteins, or cells, biomarker monitoring for the early detection of diseases, microfluidic protein-analysis systems, and high-throughput drug-screening equipment. In professional sports, this includes creatine kinase monitoring to precisely assess muscle damage.

Disadvantages of dry chemistry:

Limited test range. Despite the wide range of available tests (glucose, cholesterol, renal and hepatic markers), the method is not always suitable for complex or multi-component analyses.

Lower precision than advanced laboratory methods. Dry chemistry is usually less precise than more advanced methods such as liquid chromatography or microfluidics.

Dependence on test-strip quality. The reliability of results may depend on the quality of the test strips, which may require periodic calibration.

Disadvantages of microfluidics:

Cost. Microfluidics requires complex chips and devices for liquid control, which increases the total cost.

Development and production. The design and manufacturing of microfluidic systems are more labor-intensive and costly than dry-chemistry methods.

Analyzer comparison features	Conventional previous-generation analyzer	Klinogicare® POCT system
Technology used	Dry chemistry	Microfluidics
History	In 1965, Ames (today part of Bayer) introduced the first test strip for measuring blood glucose levels (based on dry-chemistry technology)	Between 2000 and 2010, microfluidics became widely used in biomedical research and diagnostics thanks to advances in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). During this period, commercially available microfluidic devices began to appear
Control type	Semi-automatic	Automatic
Startup time	Ready to operate 10 minutes after being switched on	Ready to operate in 1 minute
Sample material	Plasma, serum, whole blood (using a dedicated centrifuge tube)	Plasma, serum, whole blood (no additional equipment)
Minimum sample volume	250 µL of whole blood or 100 µL of serum	100 µL (about three or four drops, regardless of sample type)
Built-in barcode reader	No	Yes
Results printer	Yes	Yes
Dimensions, weight	33 × 20 × 18 cm (13 × 7.9 × 7.1 in), weight 5.5 kg (12.1 lb)	21 × 12 × 18 cm (8.3 × 4.7 × 7.1 in), weight 2.9 kg (6.4 lb)

Questions and answers

Information about the Klinogicare® POCT system - a portable biochemistry analyzer based on microfluidic technology

IMPORTANT NOTICE: this information is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a medical recommendation or instructions for use. The interpretation of results, sample-collection rules, quality-control requirements, and decisions about clinical use are the sole responsibility of a qualified professional and of the facility's internal procedures.

I. GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SYSTEM

II. SAMPLE, COLLECTION, AND PRE-ANALYTICAL PHASE

III. RESULTS, PRECISION, AND QUALITY

IV. CONSUMABLES, STORAGE, AND EXPIRATION

V. OPERATION, STAFF, AND MAINTENANCE

VI. DATA, PRINTING, AND INTEGRATION

VII. IMPLEMENTATION, COST-EFFECTIVENESS, AND SPORTS MEDICINE

IMPORTANT CONCLUSION: even the most modern POCT analyzer does not eliminate the quality requirements in sample collection, internal and external quality control, staff training, and correct clinical interpretation of the results.

Product appearance may vary depending on the delivery region. Technical and functional specifications are identical across all versions.

Manufacturer:

Gatria Global LLC 66 W Flagler Street STE 900 Miami, FL 33130, USA

Scientific publication - Sports Medicine: Science and Practice

Blood creatine phosphokinase level as a recovery criterion in professional soccer players during the competition period

Khaitin V.Yu. (1,2), Matveev S.V. (1), Grishin M.Yu. (2)
"Sports Medicine: Science and Practice" journal. 2018;8(4):22-27.
1 - Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg, Russia
2 - JSC FC Zenit, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
https://doi.org/10.17238/ISSN2223-2524.2018.4.22
https://www.smjournal.ru/jour/article/view/133/122 The link opens in a new window

Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University

JSC FC Zenit, Saint Petersburg, Russia

Main conclusion: creatine phosphokinase monitoring may help assess the recovery of professional soccer players and guide load management during the competition period.

DOI: 10.17238/ISSN2223-2524.2018.4.22 - Sports Medicine: Science and Practice - 2018;8(4):22-27

Read the Zenit publication

Scientific publication - British Medical Bulletin

Creatine kinase monitoring in sports medicine

Creatine kinase monitoring in sport medicine

Paola Brancaccio, Nicola Maffulli, Francesco Mario Limongelli
British Medical Bulletin, Volume 81-82, No. 1, 2007, pages 209-230
https://doi.org/10.1093/bmb/ldm014
https://academic.oup.com/bmb/article-abstract/81/1/209/283873

Figure from the study on creatine kinase monitoring 1

Figure from the study on creatine kinase monitoring 2

Figure from the study on creatine kinase monitoring 3

Figure from the study on creatine kinase monitoring 4

The article analyzes in detail the variability of CK levels in athletes, the influence of age, sex, muscle mass, type of training, and climatic conditions, as well as the clinical significance of the increase in CK after intense training.

Practical conclusion: athletes with high CK levels could be advised to continue physical activity at a lower intensity, in order to reduce muscle damage from high-intensity efforts and allow a complete recovery.

DOI: 10.1093/bmb/ldm014 - British Medical Bulletin - Volume 81-82, No. 1 - 2007 - pages 209-230

Link to source - British Medical Bulletin

Scientific publication - PLOS ONE

Markers of fatigue in professional athletes - results from simulated training camps

Blood-Borne Markers of Fatigue in Competitive Athletes - Results from Simulated Training Camps

Published: February 18, 2016
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0148810
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0148810

Figure from the study on markers of fatigue 1

Figure from the study on markers of fatigue 2

The study carried out a comprehensive analysis of blood markers in 73 professional athletes (cyclists, team-sport athletes, and strength athletes) at three time points: after recovery, after 6 days of fatigue induction, and after 2 days of regeneration.

In cyclists, fatigue-dependent changes were observed in creatine kinase, urea, free testosterone, and IGF-1. In strength training and high-intensity interval efforts, the most pronounced and stable marker was CK.

Main conclusion: within a complete panel of blood markers, fatigue-related changes are reflected most accurately by urea and IGF-1 in cycling, and by CK in strength and team sports.

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148810 - PLOS ONE - Published: February 18, 2016

Link to source - PLOS ONE

Scientific publication - Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine

Biochemical markers of muscular damage

Paola Brancaccio, Giuseppe Lippi and Nicola Maffulli
Servizio di Medicina dello Sport, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy; U.O. Diagnostica Ematochimica, Dipartimento di Patologia e Medicina di Laboratorio, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy; Queen Mary University of London, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Center for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Mile End Hospital, London, England, UK
Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journal
https://doi.org/10.1515/CCLM.2010.179
https://www.researchgate.net/file.PostFileLoader.html?id=53f3ce21d5a3f2ad308b4648&assetKey=AS%3A273581659885575%401442238358926

Figure from the study on biochemical markers of muscular damage 2

The publication shows that muscle tissue can be damaged after intense and prolonged training under the influence of both metabolic and mechanical factors. Serum levels of enzymes and proteins are considered markers of the functional state of muscle tissue.

The most useful serum markers of muscle damage are creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aldolase, myoglobin, troponin, aspartate aminotransferase, and carbonic anhydrase CAIII.

Main conclusion: blood and urine analysis provides a more complete picture of muscle status and the level of muscle stress; the evaluation of protein and lipid oxidation markers may be useful for a more precise quantitative assessment of muscle stress after training.

DOI: 10.1515/CCLM.2010.179 - Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine - 2010

Link to source - CCLM

Scientific publication - Asian Journal of Sports Medicine

Creatine phosphokinase and urea as biochemical markers of muscle injuries in professional soccer players

Creatine Phosphokinase and Urea as Biochemical Markers of Muscle Injuries in Professional Football Players

Sports Medicine Postgraduate Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia
Asian Journal of Sports Medicine: Vol. 9, No. 4; e60386, 2018
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5812/asjsm.60386
https://brieflands.com/articles/asjsm-60386.html

The study analyzed the relationship between the frequency of muscle injuries, serum levels of creatine phosphokinase and urea, and the training load in professional soccer players. The retrospective cohort included 23 players from a Colombian first-division team, and the observation lasted 19 weeks.

In injured players, a statistically significant increase in CPK and urea was observed 4 weeks before the clinical manifestation of the injury, compared with their values from the previous year.

Main conclusion: developing individual CPK and urea profiles during the preseason and the competition period may help identify concentration peaks as early markers of muscle injuries.

DOI: 10.5812/asjsm.60386 - Asian Journal of Sports Medicine - Vol. 9, No. 4 - e60386 - 2018

Link to source - Asian Journal

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Klinogicare® StarLab

CK and biomarker monitoring in 10 minutes

Monitoring of creatine kinase

Exceptional reliability

Lab-on-a-Chip technology

Injury-risk reduction strategy