i-STAT - Combining Chemistry and Haematology in PoCT

Point-of-care testing (PoCT) is traditionally considered a branch or offshoot of clinical chemistry. The appearance on the market of small, light, inexpensive, multi-purpose, point-of-care analysers, which combine a number of widely differing analytes, has to some degree upset this paradigm. Such analysers, however, are invaluable in some clinical settings. Specialties other than clinical chemistry may have differing views on traditional test management, particularly with regard to quality control (QC), quality assurance (QA), and training. These views must be considered when designing an overall PoCT management plan. Test management issues should be resolved by taking the view that it is a 'point-of-care' test, and by looking at the specific test technology and method involved, rather than by just assuming it is a 'haematology' or a 'chemistry' test. Clinical users of a combined PoCT system are principally interested in the generation of good quality results. To avoid confusion, any advice given to clinical staff regarding their analysers should be clear, concise, and above all else, consistent.