IMPLEMENTATION OF “POINT-OF-CARE TESTING” TECHNOLOGIES IN THE CONDITIONS OF INTENSIVE CARE

Abstract

The analysis in the centralized laboratory is the main model of laboratory diagnosis and monitoring in the conditions of intensive care. However, alternative models of “point-of-care testing” technology are being actively introduced nowadays. This review article presents the analysis of “Point-of-care testing” technologies from the perspective of the intensive care doctor. The main advantages of this monitoring idea include the speed of analysis and the cost of components. Among the disadvantages we can identify ambiguous assessment of the accuracy and objectivity of analyses, additional burden on the staff of resuscitation and intensive care units. Possible ways of resolving disputable issues aimed at improving quality and reproducibility of the analyses are outlined in this work. Despite the fact that currently “Point-of-care testing” technologies cannot replace centralized laboratories, they are steadily occupying a certain niche and are going to play a more important role in diagnosing and monitoring patients in critical condition.

Keywords

• point-of-care testing
• point-of-care testing
• monitoring
• intensive care