The accuracy of laboratory data obtained by a point-of-care device in surgical intensive care (SICU) patients

Introduction: "Point-of-care" products are portable devices that allow laboratory testing to be performed rapidly at the bedside. The Piccolo device (Abaxis, INC, Sunnyvak, CA) is an PDA-approved point-of-care product employing automated centrifugal and spectrophotometry. We sought to determine its accuracy and expediency in our SICU. Methods : At least ten serum samples of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), glucose, bilirubin, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were obtained from among thirty patients. Samples were analyzed using a Piccolo placed in the SICU and in the clinical laboratory, and these values were compared to the clinical laboratory's conventional device, the J and J Van 950 (Johnson and Johnson, Rochester. NY). Coefficients of détermination (R1) were determined between the reported values from each method using least squares linear regression. The turnaround times (TAT) required tar each method after collection were monitored separately. Resorts: The TAT required to return data after f collection for the Piccolo was IS minutes, compared with a 38 minute mean TAT (range 29 - 65 minutes) for serum electrolytes sent to the clinical laboratory. The final R1 values for the individual serum parameters by each of the different analytical methods were as follows: gj ALT Gl-im fllN Cr Bilirubin Standard lab vs. ICU Piccolo .9995 .9334 .8956 .9670 .9940 Standard lab vs. lab Piccolo .9982 .8512 .9714 .9610 .9868 ICU Piccolo vs. lab Piccolo .9983 .8956 .9950 .9814 .9901 CotcmsKMs: For certain laboratory parameters, the Piccolo was show to correlate accurately with the clinical laboratory. The Piccolo also produced a more rapid TAT the fid laboratory. Technological should allow point-of-care teaing to find greater utility in the ICU as the capability to perform a broader spectrum of analyses becomes available.