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Evaluation of a rapid bedside test for the quantitative determination of C-reactive protein
Susanna Esposito1, Elena Tremolati, Enrica Begliatti
1Institute of Pediatrics, Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli e Regina Elena, University of Milan, Italy. susanna.esposito@unimi.it
Insights
A rapid bedside C-reactive protein (CRP) test accurately measures inflammation in children with respiratory infections. This quick test provides results comparable to standard lab methods, aiding prompt diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Clinical Chemistry
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Inflammation is a common response to various conditions.
- Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels increase with inflammation.
- Accurate and rapid CRP measurement is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of a rapid bedside C-reactive protein (CRP) assay.
- To compare the QuikRead CRP test with a standard laboratory assay in pediatric patients.
- To assess the utility of the rapid test in an emergency department setting.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 231 children (<14 years) with acute respiratory infection.
- Samples were analyzed using both the QuikRead CRP rapid test and a standard laboratory assay.
- Statistical analysis compared median CRP levels and distribution across different concentration ranges.
Main Results:
- The rapid QuikRead CRP test demonstrated similar median CRP levels to the standard laboratory assay (33.3 mg/L vs. 34.7 mg/L).
- Both methods showed comparable distribution of CRP levels across clinically relevant ranges (<20 mg/L, 20-70 mg/L, >70 mg/L).
- The QuikRead CRP test provided quantitative results in under 5 minutes.
Conclusions:
- The rapid QuikRead CRP test is a reliable method for bedside or outpatient assessment of C-reactive protein.
- This rapid assay offers comparable accuracy to standard laboratory methods for pediatric patients.
- The QuikRead CRP test facilitates timely diagnosis and management of inflammatory conditions in children.
Abstract:
Regardless of its origin, any condition associated with inflammation is accompanied by an increase in serum C-reactive protein levels. This study compared the results of a rapid test for the bedside assay of C-reactive protein (QuikRead CRP, Orion Corporation, Orion Diagnostica, Espoo, Finland) with those of a standard laboratory assay in samples taken from 231 children aged less than 14 years (126 males; median age 4.7 years) attending the Emergency Department of Milan University's Institute of Pediatrics because of acute respiratory infection. The two methods showed similar median C-reactive protein levels (standard laboratory assay: 34.7 mg/L, range 4-199 mg/L; QuikRead CRP: 33.3 mg/L, range <8-196 mg/L; p = 0.779) and a similar distribution of children with C-reactive protein levels of <20 mg/L, 20-70 mg/L and >70 mg/L. This study shows for the first time that the rapid QuikRead CRP test can be performed at the bedside or in an outpatient clinic and, in less than 5 min, gives the same quantitative results as those obtained using a more complex routine laboratory method.
