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Mobile laboratory unit based on the Kodak Ektachem DT system
A R Pettigrew1, J M Orrell, M H Dominiczak
1Department of Pathological Biochemistry, Western Infirmary, Glasgow, Scotland, U.K.
Clinical Chemistry
|November 1, 1988
Summary
The Kodak Ektachem DT system (DT60, DTE, DTSC modules) functions as a mobile laboratory unit (MLU), offering practical on-site testing in hospital settings. Its utility depends on patient throughput and departmental needs, balancing costs with the benefits of rapid results.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Point-of-Care Testing
- Laboratory Medicine
Background:
- The integration of mobile laboratory units (MLUs) aims to improve turnaround times for diagnostic testing within hospitals.
- Evaluating the performance and practicality of specific MLU systems in diverse clinical environments is crucial for adoption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the Kodak Ektachem DT system (DT60, DTE, DTSC modules) as a mobile laboratory unit (MLU) in various hospital settings.
- To evaluate the imprecision and correlation of 19 assays with routine methods and determine the system's feasibility in different clinical departments.
Main Methods:
- The Kodak Ektachem DT system was utilized as an MLU across different hospital departments.
- Imprecision and correlation with main laboratory methods for 19 assays were assessed.
- The system's performance was evaluated in intensive-care units, renal units, and outpatient clinics with varying patient throughputs, recording turnaround times.
Main Results:
- The MLU proved practicable for a six-test electrolyte profile in a five-bed intensive-care unit, but not a renal unit requiring more selective analysis.
- On-site testing was feasible for all patients in a low-throughput outpatient clinic (5 patients/hour) with a six-test profile.
- A high-throughput clinic (10 patients/hour) could accommodate a maximum of four tests per patient on-site.
Conclusions:
- The Kodak Ektachem DT system demonstrates feasibility as an MLU, but its application is constrained by departmental needs and patient throughput.
- The cost-effectiveness of providing flexible, extra-laboratory biochemistry services must be weighed against the advantages of on-site results, such as reduced outpatient visits.