Point-of-Care Testing (Chapter 17)

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from Chapter 17 about Point-of-Care Testing, including definitions and important tests.

Point-of-Care Testing (POCT)

Refers to the performance of analytic tests immediately after obtaining a sample, often at the site of patient care.

Activated Clotting Time (ACT)

A test used to monitor patients on heparin therapy by measuring the time it takes for a clot to form in a sample of blood.

Quality Assurance

A set of activities to ensure that quality requirements are met in POCT instruments, similar to laboratory-based testing.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

A method for recording the electrical activity of the heart, used for diagnosing heart disease.

Cardiac Troponin T and I

Proteins in cardiac muscle that, when monitored, provide important information about potential myocardial infarctions.

Hemoglobin A1c

A test that measures the average blood glucose level over 4 to 6 weeks and can be analyzed using CLIA-waived portable testing monitors.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

An inflammatory marker used to monitor inflammation and a risk factor for heart disease.

Fecal Occult Blood Test

A test that detects hidden blood in stool samples, often used for screening for colorectal disease.

Pregnancy Test

A test that detects the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) produced after implantation of a fertilized egg.

Influenza Test

A test performed on a respiratory specimen that differentiates between A and B types of influenza virus.

Ancillary Blood Glucose Test

A bedside test for measuring blood glucose levels most commonly used for patients with diabetes mellitus.

B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)

A hormone produced by the heart that helps differentiate between chronic pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure.

Coagulation Testing ( activated clotting time ACT)

Tests measuring the blood's ability to clot, important for patients on anticoagulant therapy.

4 locales where POCT can occur

hospital emergency rooms, clinics, physician offices, patients' homes

Advantages of POCT

rapid results, convenience, improved patient satisfaction, and enhanced clinical decision-making.

Disadvantages of POCT

misleading test results, possible improper training, improper maintenance, poor record keeping, improperly following manufacturer instructions

two hematology tests performed as POCT and how they’re done

anemia and polycythemiaare diagnosed using portable analyzers to measure hemoglobin levels and hematocrit.

4 chemistry tests performed as POCT and how they’re done

glucose, cholesterol, blood gases, and electrolytes

5 waves that make up an ECG

P wave, Q wave, R wave, S wave, T wave

how to perform a dipstick urinalysis

make sure fresh urine is at room temp, mixed thoroughly; put urine strip in, remove and compare to reference color sheet at the appropriate time

POC test for anemia

handheld hemoglobin analyzer of hematocrit reading

POC test for warfarin therapy

monitored with prothrombin time test

POC test for cholesterol

evaluated using color card testing for instrumentation

POC test for ABGs

evaluated using handheld analyzers

Common electrolytes measured by POCT

sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, calcium

specimens used to determine pregnancy

dipstick urine test to detect hCG levels

adherence guideline for a POCT

Calibration, running controls, performing maintenance, and record keeping

the microcuvette tests and measures what while being essential in

hemoglobin value, essential in determining response to therapy

list process used in ACT and the timed intervals if clot doesn’t form

Activated clot time; blood warmed in tube that was incubated at 37 degrees C for one minute while tilting to see if the clot has formed, examined every 5 seconds if clot hasn’t formed 

3 analytes obtained in an ABG sample and the common electrolytes

are pH, pCO2, and pO2, along with bicarbonate, potassium, sodium, calcium, and chloride

percent of packed RBC in a volume of blood is known as

packed cell volume

Handheld Hb analyzer gives a readout with units in

grams per deciliter (g/dL) of hemoglobin.

Handheld HB analyzer

a portable device used for measuring hemoglobin levels in blood samples.

what POC test monitors heparin therapy

Activated Clotting Time (ACT) or aPTT

what test give information on if a pt has experienced a myocardial infarction

Cardiac TnT and TNi

what test can be used to screen for colon cancer

Occult blood test

what streptococcus group is detected with a rapid strep test on a throat culture

Group A Streptococcus (Strep A)

when doing a dipstick test for routine urinalysis what 2 pretesting conditions have to be met

room temp and well mixed

what must be incorporated for a POCT program to be successful

proper training, adherence to manufacturer instructions, using quality assurance and quality control procedures

HcG

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced during pregnancy, used to diagnosis pregnancy and monitor fetal development

What is the most common hematology test performed as a POC test

hemoglobin (HB), diagnosis and monitors anemia

Cardiac troponin T (TnT)

A protein released when the heart muscle is damaged; used to diagnose heart attacks and heart disease.

Prothrombin time (PT)

A blood test used to measure the time it takes for blood to clot EXTRINSICALLY

activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)

A laboratory test that measures the time it takes for blood to clot INTRINSICALLY

what is the most common chemistry test done by a POCT

glucose

CLIA

Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, which establishes quality standards for laboratory testing and ensures accurate and reliable test results.

CLIA waived test

Tests that are simple enough to be performed without oversight by government authority and have a low risk of erroneous results

Hct

Hematocrit, a measure of the proportion of blood volume that is made up of red blood cells.