Trace Metals and Point of Care Testing

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of collecting trace metals in a royal blue EDTA tube?

To analyze blood clotting disorders

To measure the levels of essential minerals (correct)

To test for blood sugar levels

To detect viral infections

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Point of Care Testing (POCT)?

Accuracy comparable to central laboratory analyzers

Requires a large amount of blood (correct)

Easy to perform

Rapid turnaround time

What is the primary advantage of Point of Care Testing (POCT) in rural locations?

Increased convenience for healthcare professionals

Improved access to healthcare services (correct)

Reduced patient care costs

Improved patient recovery

Which of the following trace metals is NOT typically collected in a royal blue EDTA tube?

Glucose Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary disadvantage of Point of Care Testing (POCT)?

Cost per test is more expensive than central laboratory testing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a benefit of Point of Care Testing (POCT) for patients?

Provides prompt medical attention Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a glucometer?

To test for blood sugar levels Signup and view all the answers

What is a common issue with Point of Care Testing (POCT) devices?

Improper cleaning can result in contracting a disease Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of trace metals?

Required by the body in very small amounts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an advantage of Point of Care Testing (POCT) over central laboratory testing?

POCT has a faster turnaround time Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following portable instruments can measure multiple tests?

Portable instruments, including handheld and bench-top instruments Signup and view all the answers

What is the main effect of hemolysis on lab results?

It affects the results of certain analytes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following analytes is affected by a moderate change due to hemolysis?

ALT Signup and view all the answers

In which department are portable instruments that measure multiple tests usually found?

ICU or ER Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of hemolysis on Calcium test results?

It increases the test results Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following analytes is NOT affected by a slight change due to hemolysis?

Haptoglobin Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of portable instruments that measure multiple tests?

To provide quick results in life-threatening situations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following analytes is affected by a gross change due to hemolysis?

K Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of hemolysis?

The breakdown of red blood cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following analytes is NOT affected by hemolysis?

Lactate Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of error in Point of Care Testing (POCT)?

Operator incompetence Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to disinfect POCT machines?

To minimize the chance of fomites on POCT machines and patients Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of liquid quality control in POCT?

To verify the accuracy of test results Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of electronic quality control (EQC) in POCT?

Automated detection of instrument problems Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the code number on the test strip container in glucometer testing?

To match the code number on the glucometer Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended type of bleach for disinfecting POCT machines?

1:10 bleach Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of internal checks in POCT?

To detect instrument malfunction Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using a multiple test POCT machine, such as the I-STAT?

Ability to perform multiple tests with a single cartridge Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended time for refrigerating urine samples for pregnancy testing?

Up to 2 days Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using a single test glucometer?

Simplified testing procedure Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Trace Metals

Also known as trace elements or microminerals, essential minerals required by the body in very small amounts
Collected in royal blue EDTA tubes
Examples of trace metals include:
- Aluminum
- Mercury
- Arsenic
- Selenium
- Cadmium
- Thallium
- Chromium
- Zinc
- Copper
- Lead
- Manganese

Point of Care Testing (POCT)

Testing done at the patient's bedside or near patient testing, instead of in a lab
Brings laboratory testing to the location of the patient
Example of POCT: glucometer, used to test blood sugar
Advantages of POCT:
- Small amount of blood required
- Rapid turnaround time (TAT)
- Easy to perform (1 or 2 steps)
- Accuracy and precision comparable to central laboratory analyzers
- Minimum QC tracking
- Data can be interfaced with other LIS or software
Convenience to the patient:
- No need to go to the lab every time
- Prompt medical attention
- Quicker patient recovery
- Improves access to healthcare services in rural locations
- Decreases patient care costs
Disadvantages of POCT:
- Cost per test (more expensive than central laboratory testing)
- Degree of maintenance required
- Sources of POCT error:
  - Pre-analytical errors
  - Operator incompetence
  - Non-adherence to test procedures
  - Use of uncontrolled reagents and equipment
Infectious control issues:
- Minimize the changes of fomites on POCT machines and patients by disinfecting POCT machines with 1:10 bleach
- Glucometers perform one test, but POC machines can perform multiple tests (e.g., glucose and cholesterol levels, electrolytes, and enzyme analysis)

I-Stat

A POC machine that can perform multiple tests
Example of tests performed:
- Sodium (Na)
- Potassium (K)
- Chloride (Cl)
- TCO2
- Ionized Calcium (iCa)
- Glucose (Glu)
- Urea Nitrogen/Urea
- Creatinine (Crea)
- Lactate
- cTnI
- CK-MB
- β-hCG

POCT Quality Control

Anyone who does POCT should be able to carry out quality control and maintenance procedures
External quality control:
- Performed as per manufacturer guidelines
- Liquid quality control is a liquid of a known result, applied to the POCT instead of blood
- Electronic QC's (EQC's) are built into instruments to detect certain problems
- Internal checks to determine if the instrument is functioning properly
- Automatic lockout of users who are not authorized or do not adhere to QC procedures
All control results must be recorded on some type of document and reviewed for consistency and acceptability

Glucometer Testing

Prepare the lancing device by selecting the depth of penetration
Obtain a drop of blood by pressing the lancet device against the finger and pressing a button
Dispose of the used lancet by pressing the eject button on the device
Insert a test strip, and the monitor will automatically turn on
Touch and hold the drop of blood to the edge of the sample area of the test strip
Glucose result will be displayed within a few seconds
Discard the used test strip in a biohazard container

Other POCT Tests

Hemoglobin A1C
Cholesterol Point of Care
Urinalysis
Pregnancy tests:
- Use urine or serum samples
- There are many different types of kits available
- Must use suitable time after fertilization to allow B-HCG to rise to a significant level
- First morning specimen is required because it contains the highest concentration of the hormone
- Must be collected in a clean plastic container
- Can be refrigerated up to 2 days or frozen (-20°C) for 1 year
Multiple-Test-Panels by POCT:
- Measure multiple tests such as electrolytes, urea, glucose, lactate, and hemoglobin
- Usually found in ICU or ER
- Play an important role in life-threatening situations

Hemolysis

Breakdown of red blood cells, affecting lab results
Effects of hemolysis on chemistry results:
- Slight change:
  - Phosphate, total protein, albumin, magnesium, calcium, alk phos
  - Haptoglobin, bilirubin
- Moderate change:
  - ALT, CK, iron
  - T4
- Gross change:
  - K, LD, AST
  - Troponin, glucose

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers trace metals, essential minerals required by the body in small amounts, and point of care testing, a medical testing method. It includes topics such as aluminum, mercury, arsenic, and more.