« Involvement in International EM brings New Perspectives by William K. Mallon MD FACEP FAAEM | Main | Nutrition and Exercise – Where Do They Belong in the H & P? by Jan Shoenberger, MD, FAAEM, FACEP »
Monday
Apr052010

Use and Abuse of Point of Care Tests in the ED by Stephen Colucciello, MD

Stehen Colucciello, MDBasically every Emergency Department uses Point of Care testing in some form or another.  In fact, approximately 66% of ED patients who get a test undergo a POC study.  (Point of Care 6(2):134-138, June 2007)  However, an increasing number of EDs are moving beyond the traditional “low-tech” panels (blood sugar, hemoglobin, urine pregnancy test, and dip UA) into the realm of “high-tech” hand-held analyzers that test for a variety of electrolytes or biomarkers. 

The compelling argument is that ED physicians can make faster dispositions by using POC tests compared to traditional central lab processing.  One company suggests that ED Point of Care testing provides a 50 minute head start in a 1 hour race.  While this sounds like a pretty compelling advantage, what are the realities of Point of Care (POC) testing in the Emergency Department?

 

Overview

At least one third of all ED patients get at least one blood test during their visit (CDC National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey; ED Summary).  The literature is also clear the POC tests are generally as accurate as those run in the central lab (certainly over the past decade).  Notably however, the turn-around time for POC tests is significantly shorter; generally 40 to 60 minutes less than the comparable lab process. 

This shorter turn-around time is secondary to a decrease in all three aspects of the processing cycle; the pre-analytic time (time from order to placing sample on the machine), the analytic time (actual time on machine), and post-analytic time (time results posted till the physician has them “in hand”, or is aware of the result).  The key question is, “does this 40 to 60 minutes “savings” in turn-around time translate into clinically significant outcome measures for the patient or ED flow?”

 

Quality of Care

One review article suggested that POC testing can shorten the time to critical interventions in up to 7% of patients (BMJ. 316(7137):1052-7, 1998 Apr 4) From a practical standpoint, any physician who uses point of care in daily practice will affirm that at least several times per week, a POC test prompts a major change in early patient management.  This usually relates to patients with “panic values” for glucose, hemoglobin, acidosis, hyperkalemia or a positive troponin.  These same physicians also admit that the false positive panic values are problematic as well. 

As far as the empiric data goes, the picture is mixed.  For cardiac markers, POC tests are more likely to return within the 30-60 min guidelines for turn-around time (Ann Emerg Med vol. 53, 321 - 328, 2009); however this begs the question as to whether care is actually improved.  In another study, POC troponin was associated with decreased time to anti-ischemic therapy by about three-quarters of an hour; due to a shorter time to physician notification. Still, despite these improved “benchmarks”, there were no clear difference in medical outcomes between the POC and central lab troponin groups. (Academic Emergency Medicine. 15(3):216-24, 2008 Mar.)  Another review article found fair evidence that more rapid turn-around time of ABG results, leads to improved clinical outcomes in some ED patients. (National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry (NACB); 2006. p. 30-43.)

In my own experience, I can say the more unstable and “mysterious” someone is (unclear diagnosis in an ill-appearing patient); the more often a POC test provides a quick and critically important diagnosis.

 

Length of Stay (LOS) Data

Surprisingly, the literature on POC testing’s impact on ED LOS is mixed.  Some studies show decreased ED LOS, approximately 40 to 65 minutes less, using POC testing compared to patients who get central lab testing.  (The Journal of Emergency Medicine, Vol. 17, No. 5, pp. 811–814, 1999, American Journal of Clinical Pathology. 132(3):326-31, 2009 Sep., Pediatric Emergency Care. 23(7):457-62, 2007 Jul., Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine. 127(4):456-60, 2003 Apr.)  Most of these LOS benefits occur among discharged rather than admitted patients.  However, point of care testing can decrease the time from ED arrival to ordering an in-patient bed.  (Annals of Emergency Medicine. 45(6):587-91, 2005 Jun.)

Despite these studies, other trials show no significant decrease in total ED length of stay notwithstanding consistent decrease in turn-around time associated with POC testing.  This means that other ED processes need “tweaking” to leverage the benefits of the shorter testing cycle. 

A common delay occurs when POC tests are ordered in addition to central lab tests.  When this occurs, the central lab tests can become the rate-limiting step and thus the time savings of the POC tests are nullified by prolonged central lab cycle times.

 

Problems with POC

Cost versus Charge

The biggest problem with POC testing is expense.  This expense includes the infrastructure for testing (introduction of the technology, machine acquisition costs, computer interface with lab and IS system, training, etc.) and the incremental costs for each testing cartridge.   The financial picture is further muddied by the cost (to the institution) versus charge (to the patient) analysis.

The cost of a POC test or panel generally ranges from 3 to 6 times that of the central lab processing.  A single POC cartridge can cost anywhere from $5.00 to $20.00 dollars depending upon the panel.  However, the incremental costs usually go down as the volume of POC testing in the ED increases due to bulk discounts. 

As regards the charges to the patient ….. well anything goes…..  Because of the pricing structure in hospitals (markup), charges are usually many times higher than the cost; a ten fold or more markup is not uncommon.  In some hospitals, POC charges are similar to the central lab charges while in others the charges may be significantly higher.

 

Resource utilization; Staff duties

Most nurses and tech do not like expansion of point of care testing in the ED.  It diverts them from their other duties and the implementation phase may be marked by significant grumbling.  A dedicated ED phlebotomist who performs POC testing can solve most of this problem.

 

Accuracy

While numerous studies show good correlation between POC tests and central laboratory testing, this correlation is not usually reached during the first several weeks (or even months) after the implementation in a new site.  Because of operator errors, the lab needs to perform correlation studies during and after the implementation phase.  Initial errors are often technique-related, and include patient labeling issues, improper tubes, inadequate blood volumes, processing errors, machine time-outs, improper reading of controls, etc.)  The QA process should track errors systemically and by the machine operator (individual nurses) and include feedback to the individuals involved. 

An additional source of confusion may arise when the reference values for the POC test differs from that of the standard lab normals.  For this reason, it is best to use POC tests with reference values that mirror the central lab numbers.

 

Clinical Scenarios Where POC Testing May be Especially Valuable

Chest Pain Evaluation

POC cardiac biomarkers can be used for a 2 hour delta rule out.  The abbreviated chest pain workup involves an initial and subsequent set of cardiac biomarkers (2 hour delta enzymes) (Annals of Emergency Medicine 40:6 December 2002).  If there is no significant rise in the biomarkers, the patient can be stress tested or discharged for outpatient follow-up based on clinical criteria.  (Not to mention that a positive CM-MB or troponin greatly accelerates cardiology response.) 

 

Dialysis emergencies

Consider electrolytes, especially in patients who have missed dialysis, to check for hyperkalemia.

 

Need for STAT IV contrast

Consider POC renal function tests prior to IV contrast to direct pretreatment when patients need IV contrast (such as bicarbonate, N-acetylcysteine, hydration, etc.).  This is primarily a concern in older, diabetic, hypertensive patients at risk for renal insufficiency.

 

Altered Mental Status or convulsive status epilepticus

            Check for glucose and electrolyte disorders.

 

Suspected DKA

POC glucose, electrolytes plus dip UA for ketones = ready to consult/admit.  A venous blood gas may or may not be appreciated by the consultant.

 

Severe poisoning

Check for acid-base abnormalities on chem panel; see MUDPILE mnemonic (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_anion_gap_metabolic_acidosis#.22Mudpiles.22)

 

Acute GI bleed

The combination of hemoglobin plus lactate or base deficit may provide a better clue to stability than initial vital signs.

 

Blunt trauma

Low hemoglobin, high lactate or significant base deficit suggests occult blood loss and may prompt early transfer, imaging, consult, or intervention.  (Journal of Trauma-Injury Infection & Critical Care. 48(6):1101-8, 2000 Jun.)

 

Sepsis 

A point of care lactate greater than 4 may be a useful trigger for Early Goal Directed Therapy (EGDT) in severe sepsis; even if the initial blood pressure is normal.  Serial lactates may soon replace the need for central venous oxygen saturation monitors in EGDT (JAMA. 2010; 303(8):739-746.)

 

Respiratory Distress of unknown etiology

Consider POC cardiac B-naturetic peptide in patients with possible CHF (The Journal of Emergency Medicine 2006, vol. 31, no2, pp. 147-150), POC d-dimer in cases of suspected pulmonary embolism (American Journal of Clinical Pathology. 132(3):326-31, 2009 Sep.), and ABG in COPD patients at risk for CO2 narcosis placed on high flow oxygen.  Recognize that the literature is mixed on the clinical value of such “dyspnea panels” in the routine evaluation for shortness of breath.  Targeting the older patient with multiple potential etiologies of dyspnea may increase the value of these tests.

 

Bleeding in face of possible coagulopathy

POC PT/INR can trigger early administration of FFP in certain circumstances; especially the head trauma patient on Coumadin.

 

General Principles for POC Testing

When deciding to use a point of care versus central lab test, ask yourself three questions;

1.  How sick is this patient and will the POC results likely change immediate management?  

In general the unstable or clinically ill-appearing patient may benefit from POC testing; especially in the presence of an unclear diagnosis.  (The “sick as stink and I haven’t got a clue” scenario).Is the POC testing likely to significantly shorten the time to treatment, additional testing, consultation, admission, or discharge?

 

2.  Is the POC testing likely to significantly shorten the time to treatment, additional testing, consultation, admission, or discharge?

If the POC can shorten disposition or treatment time by a significant degree, get the test.

 

3.  Will other tests (apart from the POC) be necessary for the key disposition and management decisions?

If other tests are the primary “rate-limiting” steps, consider skipping the POC testing and use standard lab technology.

 

Final word

Having used hand-held POC technology for the past decade in a large urban ED, I cannot image going back to “the bad old days” where I relied exclusively on the central lab.  POC hand-held technology provides an important safety net for the critically ill and can shorten length of stay in both admitted and discharged patients; especially if you can fix other roadblocks to disposition (i.e. streamline the discharge and admission processes).

If you do not currently have this technology, it is worth getting for just about any sized ED.  When dealing with administration, base your initial arguments on patient safety and risk management.  Chances are very good that you have had at least one patient in your ED during the past year who had a bad outcome from delayed recognition of hyperkalemia or hyponatremia.  If so, you can probably make a strong argument that the morbidity or mortality would have been avoided by earlier recognition and treatment had POC testing been available. You can also audit your cardiac biomarker turn-around times.  It is likely that you are not meeting the published benchmarks of less than 60 minutes using the central lab (Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Feb 2004)

If you already use hand-held POC technology in your ED, don’t abuse it.  Excessive reliance on POC tests can distract the nurses from other duties and can drive up costs.  Consider the primary 3 questions under “General Principles” above when choosing between standard lab and POC testing.

PrintView Printer Friendly Version

EmailEmail Article to Friend

References (3)

References allow you to track sources for this article, as well as articles that were written in response to this article.
  • Response
    [...]EM Blog - EM-Blog - Use and Abuse of Point of Care Tests in the ED by Stephen Colucciello, MD[...]
  • Response
    Response: bAABXy
    QSLrgDHK
  • Response
    [...]EM Blog - EM-Blog - Use and Abuse of Point of Care Tests in the ED by Stephen Colucciello, MD[...]

Reader Comments (20)

4 Online Distance learning program

Online degrees sound great, and many universities are building the technology to offer distance learning programs. Yet, some universities still require you to use other mediums to obtain your online degrees besides your computer. Some programs require you to use video or telephone conferencing that are less effective. The best online degrees are earned from universities that are fully taught online. Being fully taught via the internet also means that you should look at online degree programs that are taught by qualified professors. Many online programs only hire local teachers………….

top education

April 21, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterALAN

I also have the website that relate to blood pressure. Anyway, visit me for sometime!!
Thanks!! for the good articles.^_^
http://www.bloodpressuresuggest.com/

April 27, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterKideSleemyday

which they do not in fact know the
circumstance and if they do they would coco chanel after all, you can find
choose to acquire additional capable chanel bags yourself "starring" in
moral chanel pas cher the viral film any time
you're out and about

August 16, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterASFDASDFSDA
September 16, 2011 | Unregistered Commenterlewis

High street Coach Outlet All Saints has been put up for Coach Outlet Online sale with price tag worth a potential £140 million, it was reported today.
The coach boots is said to have appointed Ernst & Young to advise it on the sale discount coach bags, according to The Sunday Telegraph.

All cheap jordan has 63 stores and 47 Air Yeezy Shoes across the UK, Europe, America and Russia.

The air jordans - which has been expanding rapidly in recent years - is owned by retail entrepreneur air jordan sneaker, with significant minority stakes held by collapsed Icelandic banks Kaupthing and Glitnir.

It is thought that air jordan retro of the Icelandic groups were behind the push to put All Saints up for sale to realise Derrick Rose adiZero investments in a host of UK retail assets.

British karen millen coat owned or part-owned by failed Icelandic banks - such as House of Fraser, karen millen dress chain Iceland and Karen Millen owner Aurora - are also reportedly undergoing ownership overhauls ahead of possible stake sales as Iceland gears up to capitalise on the karen millen one shoulder assets.

Ernst & Young is Chloe online shop understood to have already drawn up a list of would-be investors for All Saints, with Mr Stanford expected to roll over part or all of his stake in the event of a chloe clothes.

The chloe bags group was founded in chloe paraty python 1994 and bought by Mr Stanford in 2003.

Mr Stanford karen millen outlet also co-founded the Karen Millen chain with his ex-wife of the same name.

Neither All Saints karen millen coats nor Ernst & Young were available for comment. All guys are interested in buykaren millen dresses sale ,good enough,and fashion styles.

September 22, 2011 | Unregistered Commenterkaren millen dress

thank you very much for sharing this knowledge.

SEO Services India

September 30, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterSEO Services India

Nike shoe has a space for continued growth

As the world's largest sporting goods market participants, Nike fiscal year 2012 revenue is expected to exceed $ 23 billion. With the convening of the

Olympics next year and as many as 600 million Chinese consumers in the next 5-10 years in succession into the ranks of the middle class, we believe that Nike

shoe has a growing space.
<font size=4 color=red>Men Nike Air Max

Ultra 365 Shoes 05 Black Green</font>.
Nike (Nike) last week announced the first quarter of fiscal year 2012 than-expected earnings, Morningstar Inc. (Morningstar) that, as held in the

Olympic Games next year and China's expanding middle class, Nike has continued room for growth; Company the acquisition of Converse, Umbro and other brands

of untapped potential; company's free cash flow sufficient enough to fully support the internal growth and external acquisitions, and a stable dividends and

share repurchases. Morningstar think Nike's $ 87 per share fair value, $ 60.90 is recommended to buy, sell $ 117.50 is recommended. September 23, Nike stock

closed at $ 88.64.
<font size=4 color=red>Men Nike N7 Air Max

Destiny Shoes 01 Black White</font>.
We believe that economic growth in emerging markets and the expansion of global sourcing and distribution company's competitive advantage will unbreakable.

Nike Converse (Converse), Umbro (Umbro), Hurley and a number of brand acquisitions, and their brands in new markets and growth potential profile. Use of the

company considerable marketing, procurement and logistics resources, Nike acquired the brand in the market over the next five to seven years to double. We

expect Nike to improve return on capital to 25 percent.
<font size=4 color=red>Men Nike Air Griffey

Max II Shoes 05 Grey Black</font>.
Investment Highlights

Investment and new products directly to consumers (Direct to Consumer, DTC) channel model should be able to drive revenue growth and profitability

expansion. Although Nike is the recent increase in input costs, a negative factor, but we think the company still in the recovery cycle to improve

performance.

If management's proposed fiscal year 2015 revenues of U.S. $ 30 billion and earnings per share up to 15% annual growth rate of the target can be achieved, we

may expect will prove to be conservative.

We expect the next few years, Nike will create an annual average of nearly $ 2 billion in free cash flow, enough to fully support the company's internal

growth and external acquisitions, and stable dividends and share repurchases.

October 5, 2011 | Unregistered Commenternike air griffey

This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work.
omega seamaster planet ocean

October 6, 2011 | Unregistered Commentermapgers

Shoe enterprises of Nike co-founder Phil-Knight: intention to enter the NBA

World famous sneaker brand Nike has been the sponsor of the NBA's biggest stars, with the help of Star fame, Nike's products are widely accepted by people. In a recent national wealth of the Forbes ranking, Nike co-founder Phil-Knight (Phil Knight) to $ 13.1 billion in net assets was ranked 24th.
So, the sport goods industry Tycoon is a intention to enter the NBA?
<font size=4 color=green>nike air max 2011</font>.
  In a recent Knight interview, a reporter asked whether Knight will take into account the acquisition botelankaituozhe (Nike, based in Portland), or other professional sports teams, and the latter gives the answer is no.
<font size=4 color=green>nike air max griffey</font>.
  "No, I don't think so. "Knight, referring to the possibility to buy team said," I would say so: botelankaituozhe has a good boss. Paul Allen is a great boss. "
<font size=4 color=green>nike air max 365 shoes 05 black green</font>.
  What about if someone selling pioneer to his?
  "I will not buy, I was that age. I think he (Paul Allen) do a very good, want him to have to go on. "Knight said.

October 23, 2011 | Unregistered Commenternike air griffey

Nike Sportswear released fall/winter 2011 Air Max 90 new

This Nike Harajuku again launch their eighth custom versions, this from Japan RK design.
http://www.griffeyslimegreen.com/nike-air-max-2011-c-26.html
As the we has from yiqian of Nike Harajuku custom creation of new products see of, this latest version still used has simplicity of material and high

comparison of of theme color, it combination has a fashionable of olive green of suede package shoes body, shoes head Panel Shang using rich of beige

pattern, shoes tongue Shang of label and heel label added has smooth crocodile skin, crystal color of in the end of joined has beef tendon color of wear-

resistant large end of, low-key in the and concentration a trace of luxury.
http://www.griffeyslimegreen.com/nike-air-max-griffey-c-14.html

October 30, 2011 | Unregistered Commenternike air griffey

In this modern and fashionable society, people are pursuing for louboutin shoes cool, unique, stylish and innovative. Whether it is christian louboutin heels or fashion accessories all means a lot for modern society of today. Same is the case with trendy looking replica louboutin shoes. When these are louboutin knockoffs, the excitement just gets doubled. Most chic looking christian louboutin sandals are in fashion now. These are one of the favorite fashion accessories for men and women long time ago. If you have not yet tried christian louboutin shoes, it's time to own one and feel the difference it can make to your personality. These are just brilliant and fabulous manolo blahnik sale. They are most iconic and can provide you with a new feeling and enhance confidence. The quality of jimmy choo sale is just superior to what you have dreamt of. Today owning a new and trendy looking louboutin shoes are not only meant for the wealthy people. These are now made luxurious and affordable discount christian louboutin shoes to reach out to every budget and range. You can just enjoy them by ordering manolo blahnik sale online where you get the complete satisfaction and genuine quality at best possible rates. The finish, quality and designs you get from christian louboutin uk are really astonishing and you will love them all. Different styles and designs of christian louboutin shoes are now available to make your wrist beautiful. You can choose from the wide variety of christian louboutin sale by comparing lots of perfect and stunning pieces.

November 18, 2011 | Unregistered Commenterchristian Louboutin sale

I knew I was fall in love with manolo blahnik shoes sale , and herve leger outlet . It is said that nobody can ignore the existence of christian louboutin pigalle in the fashion world.The small piece of red under the shoes attracts all the people’s attention.Owning a pair of Christian Louboutin Mary Janes is every lady’s dream. manolo blahnik sale thick platform.Three black leather bows and side zip fastening on the inside edge with signature red sole in Itlay.A pair of charming suede christian louboutin outlet , christian louboutin pumps can match with anything.
This season wear a pair of these sexy and fashional christian louboutin wedding shoes will make you always walk in the forefront of fashion.These christian louboutin red , louboutin pumps Sale are from Christian Louboutin Glitter collection and available online at the christian louboutin crystal . If you like,welcome to log in to have a look. Lots of individuals show up for just about any actual choice granted that it consists of canada goose online ,which may conceivably be colors,possessing dim canada goose parka Should surely you take a show up girl’s stars dressing Women Canada Goose Jackets property resource this year,you materialize to get within a positioning of Canada Goose Mystique Parka uncover an enormous sum of females Canada Goose Expedition Parka sale . All females are loco canada goose trillium .

November 23, 2011 | Unregistered Commentercanada goose online

A brief history of Moncler Moncler coats cheap nike shoes
In the head office, a number of State MONCLER second-level archives,Recent online Moncler Outlet,is also the only private company stores that the adoption of national newspaper Office document files is a clothing MONCLER registration file.
<font size=4 color=green>nike air max 365 shoes 05 black green</font>In the Hall are many, but most adorns the goods makes the human to staring at the Board is a rusty spot stained sewing machine and worn “eternal” the bike, this is treasure of the Town Hall, is also the clothing moncler builds the Foundation, one of their testimony to be born. in 1976, the post of the Moncler jackets kept the Town to fall clothing industry jumbo Baimao Shanjing Village Enterprise (group leader who is also present Kang Bo village) the village manages matching the group, such as 8 sewing machines were fully their fixed assets.
<font size=4 color=green>air force nike</font>.Soon after, he changes the clothing factory Tuning group, astute incompetent he contact the processing service Shanghai enthusiastically with enterprise.Monlcer adoption of clothing collection for the profession, sales promotion, sales in a body,I like cheap Moncler Jackets For Kids,RV close against this bike drive back and forth between Changshu Bai Mao and Shanghai. monlcer beginning in 1982, the establishment of clothing was great for some scopes, the skill strong State-owned large company undertaking the necessary processing, clothing factory size expands gradually, also increased the benefit year. He has also earned the first keg gold myself company develops. in 1987, the ge invested 300,000 yuan monlcer adoption of clothing? the first workshop to construct itself. Processed In difficult development, he realizes the company for many years, if not the form to not to base space Chen as long as the company does not have the product not the brand without knowing where to start to develop.Therefore he caused register officially at the end of 1991 belonged to brand myself “MONCLER”.
<font size=4 color=green>nike air max 2012</font>.

December 5, 2011 | Unregistered Commentergriffeys lime green

Side zipped closure and round open toe will make Christian Louboutin Alti Botte 140mm Leather Boots Camel more leisurely and even more attractive when your decorated toe will peep out from this. So be in love with Christian louboutin UK, buy Christian Louboutin Zip-Back Over-the-Knee Boot for your own and make the girls you deal with burn in jealousy.
these louboutin high heels do not sit for long. They sell very fast. I have done all of the searching for the christian louboutin flats and placed them on one page for you to shop from. Find that pair of christian louboutin over the knee boots that you’ve always dreamed of owning. Let the world know that that you’re one of the elite and might walk amongst the glamorous and high-fashioned. Come and get your silver ankle boots, today! So, make
your walk perfect with stilettos and feel the change in your position wherever you go. You can easily wow everyone through getting one of the beautiful pairs from christian louboutin crystal heels sale. However, these branded shoes come at a high price.
ganjames

December 21, 2011 | Unregistered Commenterred bottoms shoes

hellgate gold We are offering the cheapest| Hellgate Palladium If you have any problems with buying| cheap Hellgate Palladium after viewing this Video you may understand dgamesky really is a wonderful place to enjoy | buy cheap hellgate gold|

December 30, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterSFAFSAFSASAF

Excellent article. You have made your point and there is not much to argue about. It is like the following universal truth that you can not argue with: No truth is universal, everything has its exception. Thanks for the info.

March 10, 2012 | Unregistered CommenterSgfx Financial Limited

Online Sourcing Pai You Guo & Paiyouji from Weight Loss Online Store. Order Today - Shipped Today! Please Join us for Authentic Slimming Capsules & Diet Tea, and Bid Farewell to Obesity!

April 25, 2012 | Unregistered Commenterpai you guo

PostPost a New Comment

Enter your information below to add a new comment.

My response is on my own website »
Author Email (optional):
Author URL (optional):
Post:
 
Some HTML allowed: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong>