Scandinavian journal of clinical and laboratory investigation. Supplementum
-
Scand. J. Clin. Lab. Invest. Suppl. · Jan 1999
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialThe need for a point of care testing: an evidence-based appraisal.
The need for point of care testing (POCT) must be seen within the context of the need for biochemical diagnosis of patients suspected of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The electrocardiogram is the initial test to select patients for thrombolysis and risk stratification. The majority of patients presenting with chest pain do not have AMI and diagnostic sensitivity of the ECG is only 55-75%. ⋯ POCT for cardiac markers has a definite place in management when very short TAT is required such as the ED. If the laboratory TAT exceeds 25% of the decision time, then POCT will be required. If therapeutic decisions are to be made, only POCT will be able to fulfil the TAT requirement.