Point-of-care testing has changed how clinicians access laboratory information. Instead of sending every specimen to a central laboratory, a compact analyzer can provide important results during the patient encounter. Two well-known systems in this space are the Abbott i-STAT and the Piccolo Xpress. But which is better? The answer depends heavily on the type of testing your facility needs. The i-STAT is built around a broad range of blood gas, electrolyte, chemistry, coagulation, cardiac and other specialized cartridges, while the Piccolo Xpress is primarily a compact clinical chemistry analyzer using self-contained reagent discs. For emergency departments, critical care, ambulances and acute-care environments, i-STAT has some important advantages. For clinics, primary care facilities and settings needing a broader chemistry panel from a small blood sample, Piccolo Xpress can be extremely attractive. Let's compare them from a practical laboratory and POCT perspective. i-STAT vs. P...
Point-of-care testing (POCT) has become an increasingly important part of modern healthcare. Instead of sending specimens to a centralized laboratory and waiting for results, POCT allows certain diagnostic tests to be performed close to where patients receive care. From blood glucose and hemoglobin testing to HbA1c, cardiac markers, blood gases, infectious disease testing, and molecular diagnostics, POCT can provide clinically useful information within minutes or hours. This shorter turnaround time can help healthcare professionals make treatment and referral decisions more quickly. The role of point of care testing is therefore extending beyond convenience. When appropriately selected, implemented, and quality-controlled, POCT can improve access to diagnostics, support clinical decision-making, and help patients receive appropriate care sooner. What Is Point-of-Care Testing? Point-of-care testing refers to diagnostic testing performed at or near the location where patient care is prov...