Siemens Healthineers and World Athletics have joined forces to inform medical teams how point-of-care testing (POCT) and diagnostic imaging can enhance athlete safety at endurance events and redefine how event medical teams support athletes and event spectators. Deploying the epoc Blood Analysis System and the Acuson Sequoia ultrasound system from Siemens Healthineers during athletic events is helping to set new standards for specialized medical care known as “endurance medicine.”
Endurance events like marathons, racewalking, trail and mountain running pose unique health risks, requiring medical teams to provide immediate and specialized care in sometimes remote locations. Traditionally, an athlete needing diagnostic tests would be taken to a hospital. However, transporting patients during large-scale events can delay care decisions, potentially impacting the athlete’s health and recovery. Recognizing this, race directors and medical teams have begun prioritizing on-site testing.
“The benefit of point-of-care testing is being able to care for people in need wherever they are, as soon as possible, to make the biggest impact,” said Bob Stowers, head of Point of Care Diagnostics for Siemens Healthineers.
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Siemens Healthineers supported the Health & Science department and the local organizing committee medical teams at three major global events in 2025, providing blood point-of-care testing and diagnostic imaging. At the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, the Acuson Sequioa was used to address the musculoskeletal injuries and medical challenges of over 1,200 elite athletes from approximately 130 countries.
Musculoskeletal injuries, particularly strains, tears, and contusions, are common in high-intensity events like sprints, hurdles, and jumps. Rapid response is essential for managing injuries effectively and guiding decisions on whether an athlete can continue or needs time for recovery. The Acuson Sequoia’s availability directly at the competition venues reduced the need for hospital transfers, minimized wait times for diagnoses, and ensured that athletes and their teams received immediate and clear information about injuries due to its portability, speed, and diagnostic precision. Moreover, performing scans in the athlete's medical areas allowed for a more discreet and athlete-centered approach. World Athletics, known for its commitment to athlete safety, is leading efforts to equip event medical tents with the necessary tools and protocols to support this approach.
