Point-of-care testing of cardiac markers: results from an experience in anEmergency Department

Citation
S. Altinier et al., Point-of-care testing of cardiac markers: results from an experience in anEmergency Department, CLIN CHIM A, 311(1), 2001, pp. 67-72
Citations number
15
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Medical Research Diagnosis & Treatment
Journal title
CLINICA CHIMICA ACTA
ISSN journal
0009-8981 → ACNP
Volume
311
Issue
1
Year of publication
2001
Pages
67 - 72
Database
ISI
SICI code
0009-8981(20010915)311:1<67:PTOCMR>2.0.ZU;2-J
Abstract
Aim: An experimental approach to the use of point-of-care testing for cardi ac markers in the Emergency Department (ED) of our Institution has been car ried out using two devices (SCS, Dade Behring and Triage Cardiac Panel, Bio site Diagnostics) for the measurement of cardiac markers. Results: (1) From the analytical point of view, a fundamental tool for an efficient manageme nt of patients was the agreement between results from point-of-care testing and from the instruments located in STAT lab and/or central laboratory: in about 5% of patients, a lack of comparability of data, resulted in an inap propriate admission of patients (medical vs. intensive care unit). (2) The actual total turnaround time (TAT) in the management of samples sent to STA T lab was estimated to be equal to 82.5 min (50th percentile). (3) In the s ame organizational setting, the use of a point-of-care device produced a tu rnaround time equal to 17 min (50th percentile). (4) The reduction in turna round time resulted in a faster discharge for five patients who had normal ECO findings and cardiac marker values, the Delta time (POCT-STAT lab) rang ing from - 10 to - 70 min. Conclusions: The point-of-care option evaluated also in relation to personnel issues for staff working in the ED, brought s ome interesting questions about the characteristics of POCT devices (easy t o use 100%, safety for operator 91%) and the obtained results (quantitative and correlated to STAT lab, 91 %), as well as the need of other options su ch as the implementation of rapid tube sample delivery. (C) 2001 Elsevier S cience BN. All rights reserved.