Point-of-care blood gas analysers: a performance evaluation

Neonates represent a group with unusual sample characteristics and tend to have high hematocrits (Hct). The critically ill patient is also far from ideal with respect to sample type, being prone to either hemodilution or hemoconcentration. Prior to the selection of a point-of-care testing (POCT) analyser for blood gases and electrolytes, we therefore undertook a careful evaluation of some of the performance characteristics of selected instruments. We also conducted an evaluation of one of these systems using patients in the operating room (OR) and the pediatric Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Overall performance for hematocrit determination was acceptable in middle ranges but showed bias at high and low extremes. One system showed significant bias for electrolytes. For the patient evaluation, the system tested, the ABL70 (Radiometer, Copenhagen), showed a small positive bias for Na determinations. It also showed an important bias for pO(2) at levels that are clinically significant. The possibility of operator-related effects on test results has to be eliminated. In terms of ease of use and client satisfaction, the system was well received.