POCT Analyzers for Cardiology: Rapid Bedside Diagnostics

Rapid bedside testing of cardiac markers (POCT, point-of-care testing) cuts the time from blood draw to result from 60–90 minutes to 8–21 minutes. In acute coronary syndrome, every minute shapes the patient's prognosis.

Why POCT Is Critical in Cardiology

The "time is muscle" concept makes rapid diagnostics essential:

• The optimal door-to-balloon time in STEMI is under 90 minutes;
• In NSTEMI, early troponin measurement determines the strategy: conservative vs invasive;
• Differential diagnosis of chest pain: MI, PE, aortic dissection;
• NT-proBNP monitoring in decompensated heart failure.

Comparison of POCT Analyzers

The main platforms for bedside cardiac marker testing:

Abbott i-STAT Alinity

i-STAT Alinity is the flagship of portable diagnostics:

• Cartridge technology: one cartridge = one test, no calibration needed;
• hs-cTnI with sensitivity approaching that of laboratory analyzers;
• Multiparameter cartridges: blood gases + electrolytes + lactate;
• Wireless LIS integration via i-STAT 1 Wireless;
• The analyzer weighs 650 g and runs on a battery.

POCT Quality Control

Setting up a POC program requires a systematic approach:

• Daily IQC with control materials at two levels;
• Participation in EQA programs (RIQAS, Randox);
• Training and certification of staff: nurses and emergency department physicians;
• A POC coordinator responsible for the program and for liaison with the central laboratory;
• Monitoring the concordance of POCT and central laboratory results.

Conclusion

POCT cardiac marker analyzers are an indispensable tool for emergency departments, ambulance services and cardiac intensive care units. KombiMED provides supply, validation and service for Abbott i-STAT, Roche cobas h 232, Radiometer AQT90 and other platforms.