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...
The growing demand for high-quality healthcare services has placed an increased emphasis on compliance, accuracy, and quality management systems in clinical laboratories. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are the backbone of every well-run laboratory, ensuring consistency, quality, and safety. For medical laboratory technologists and clinical laboratory professionals, writing SOPs has become one of the most accessible and profitable side gigs in 2025 If you have experience working in laboratories and understand regulatory standards like ISO 15189, CAP, or CLIA, you already have the foundation needed to offer SOP writing services to clinics, hospitals, research labs, and even start-ups. This guide will show you how to turn your expertise into a reliable source of income. Why SOP Writing is a Lucrative Opportunity SOPs are essential for any clinical or diagnostic lab aiming for accreditation, quality control, or operational efficiency. However, many small facilities lack the in-hou...