Blood testing and diagnostic imaging are essential routines of ED, and especially blood testing is associated with prolonged length of stay. High quality and patient-centered care requires early diagnosis, which is achieved by eliminating unnecessary pre- and post-analytical delays. Thus, with proper training and education of the ED care team, POCT can be used as an effective tool for improving patient flow. This allowed patients to be discharged home quicker. POCT shortened the laboratory process and made results available faster than the central lab. Similar reduction in sampling time and LOS was not seen among those admitted to hospital. When imaging was not required, patients in POCT group were discharged home 55 min faster (4:57 (95% CI 3:59–6:17) vs. POCT results were available faster in both discharge groups, as expected. Median waiting time for blood sampling was 19 min less in POCT than central laboratory (0:52 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0:46–1:02) vs. Resultsĭuring the 4-week study period, 1759 patients underwent sample testing (POCT: n = 160, central lab: n = 951 both n = 648). Blood draw and POCTs were performed by experienced nurses. Blood testing was performed either with POC instruments for blood gases and chemistry panel, full blood count, and CRP, or at central laboratory, or as a combination of both. MethodsĪ single centre observational study was performed in ED non-ambulatory patients. In this study, we hypothesized that point of care testing (POCT) would reduce length of stay (LOS) in emergency department (ED) when compared to central laboratory testing and be a factor in patient discharge destination.
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