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Articles and journal scans about Point-of-care testing
Article
July 2013
A regional program for POCT service to emergency departments – results and remaining challenges
In a regional top-management decision, our laboratory was given the mission to control and quality assure all POCT activities in a regional network of 10 hospitals with emergency units. Based on previous work, new region-wide recommendations, procurements, IT connectivity, services, training, accreditation (ISO...
Process optimization
Point-of-care testing
Blood gases/acid-base
Glucose
Lactate
Creatinine/urea
D-dimer
CRP
Article
June 2013
How to optimize patient flow and outcome in ED - The impact of point of care
Emergency Department (ED) overcrowding is becoming an increasingly international issue.
Although the problem is not only resolved by ED change management (but rather requires a system-wide solution recognizing the complex interdependencies of consumer expectations, human resources, information systems immaturity and...
Point-of-care testing
Process optimization
Blood gases/acid-base
Electrolytes
Cardiac markers
Glucose
Hemoglobins
Bilirubin
D-dimer
Troponins
Article
April 2013
Predictive value of C-reactive protein in children with appendicitis
Few studies have addressed the predictive value of C-reactive protein at different cutoff values in appendicitis. We have determined the cutoff values for C-reactive protein levels at different periods during clinical evolution of appendicitis and established their use to support the diagnosis of appendicitis.
The...
Infection/sepsis
Point-of-care testing
CRP
Journal Scan
April 2013
In favor of point-of-care sodium measurement
When monitoring the plasma/serum sodium concentration of sick newborn babies in neonatal intensive care units, it may be preferable to use direct ion-specific electrode (ISE) methodology incorporated in point-of-care analyzers (including blood gas analyzers), rather than the indirect ISE methodology commonly employed...
Neonatology
Point-of-care testing
Quality assurance
Electrolytes
Article
April 2013
POCT of NT-proBNP in patients with renal disease
Point of care (POC) testing has become an important part of nephrological care. In cases of acute renal failure, POC is indispensable in deciding the need for dialysis, but is also essential in the management of patients on regular dialysis.
For example, hyperhydration, cardiovascular adverse events and inflammation...
Point-of-care testing
Cardiac markers
Glucose
Hemoglobins
D-dimer
Troponins
CRP
Natriuretic peptide
Kidneys/fluids
Journal Scan
January 2013
In favor of more ionized-calcium measurement
The calcium present in blood plasma comprises two almost equal fractions: half is bound to albumin and the remainder is unbound, free ionized calcium. Only the free ionized calcium is physiologically active. There are two ways of assessing patient blood calcium status.
The first – at one time the only available...
Electrolytes
Point-of-care testing
Article
January 2013
NT-proBNP for heart failure diagnosis in primary care
Diagnosing heart failure (HF) in patients presenting in primary care is difficult. Clinical assessment of symptoms and signs has limited sensitivity and specificity.
NT-proBNP determination has been proven to be useful and accurate for ruling out the diagnosis of systolic HF, and some have even proposed different...
Cardiac markers
Point-of-care testing
Natriuretic peptide
Article
January 2013
Blood gas interpretation in the neonate - what do you need to know now?
Many authors contend that drawing of umbilical ABGs is a simple method to evaluate the condition of the neonate and ideally would be routinely done for all newborns [13].
Other authors disagree. Appropriate general principles guide clinicians when drawing and interpreting ABGs for all patients. The special needs of...
Neonatology
Point-of-care testing
Blood gases/acid-base
Preanalytical phase
Lactate
Article
January 2013
Impact of Quick Diagnosis Unit Integrated in an Emergency Department Setting
BACKGROUND: Hospitals in countries with public health systems have recently adopted organizational changes to improve efficiency and resource allocation, and reducing inappropriate hospitalizations has been established as an important goal, as well as avoiding or buffering overcrowding in Emergency Departments.
AIMS: ...
Process optimization
Point-of-care testing
Glucose
Lactate
Creatinine/urea
Hemoglobins
D-dimer
Article
October 2012
Point-of-Care Testing: Making Innovation Work for Patient-Centered Care
Chris Price and Andrew St John have followed their book Point-of-Care Testing for Managers and Policymakers with another look at the subject from strategic vision to change management and implementation in Point-of-Care Testing: Making Innovation Work for Patient-Centered Care.
In their latest book the authors give...
Point-of-care testing
Information management
Cardiac markers
Glucose
D-dimer
Preanalytical phase