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
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.