Point-of-care testing in Paediatric settings in the UK and Ireland: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Pandey Meenu , Lyttle Mark D. , Cathie Katrina , Munro Alasdair , Waterfield Thomas , Roland Damian ,   On behalf of GAPRUKI, PERUKI, Boyle Adrian , Heinz Peter , Messahel Shrouk , Hawcutt Dan , Ponmani Caroline , Bird Chris , Jyothish Deepthi , Williams Catherine , O’Sullivan Ronan , Jones Elizabeth , Lyttle Mark , Sargant Nwanneka , Ross James , Barrett Michael , Harty Sinead , Bolger Turlough , Coghlan David , Fitzpatrick Patrick , Hensey Conor , Hussan Tim , Charlick Kate , Verling William , Christian Peter , Clark Matthew , Shah Bhavni , Criddle John , Cheung Ronny , Alcock Roger , Aldridge Patrick , Peek Russell , Anderson Mark , Herrieven Elizabeth , Jerman Katherine , Murad Arshid , Brown Charlotte , Marshall Andy , Cantle Fleur , Wilson Gavin , Downes Alice , Roland Damian , Bandi Srini , Da-Costa Adebayo , Barry Ray , De Vere Natasha , Dieppe Clare , Evans Jane , Hann Gayle , Tipper Clare , Bassay Bengisu , Dalton Dermot , Fraser Lauren , Gough Chris , Gardner Sharryn , Tighe Mark , Ranasinghe Darren , Birch Simon , Hall Sharon , Patton Gareth , Turner Steve , Walton Emily , Maney Julie-Ann , Bourke Tom , Thakker Manish , Robinson Gisela , Starkey Lizzie , Appelboam Andrew , Wong Shye Wei , Foster Steven , Pollock Louisa , Browning Jen , Potier Katherine , Challen Kirsty , Gilby Elizabeth , Kehler Lisa , Gray Sebastian , Ramlakhan Shammi , Mullen Niall , Bayreuther Jane , Cathie Katrina , Jarman Heather , Thompson Neil , Parikh Ami , Paul Siba , Trippick Sarah , Sutcliffe Alastair , Mulligan Joanne , Keers Sophie , Morgan Jeff , Jacobs Michelle , Linney Mike , Wilson Sarah , Jamall Erum 
Published: January 2022

Background

Point-of-care testing (POCT) is diagnostic testing performed at or near to the site of the patient. Understanding the current capacity, and scope, of POCT in this setting is essential in order to respond to new research evidence which may lead to wide implementation.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey study of POCT use was conducted between 6th January and 2nd February 2020 on behalf of two United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland-based paediatric research networks (Paediatric Emergency Research UK and Ireland, and General and Adolescent Paediatric Research UK and Ireland).

Results

In total 91/109 (83.5%) sites responded, with some respondents providing details for multiple units on their site based on network membership (139 units in total). The most commonly performed POCT were blood sugar (137/139; 98.6%), urinalysis (134/139; 96.4%) and blood gas analysis (132/139; 95%). The use of POCT for Influenza/Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) (45/139; 32.4%, 41/139; 29.5%), C-Reactive Protein (CRP) (13/139; 9.4%), Procalcitonin (PCT) (2/139; 1.4%) and Group A Streptococcus (5/139; 3.6%) and was relatively low. Obstacles to the introduction of new POCT included resources and infrastructure to support test performance and quality assurance.

Conclusion

This survey demonstrates significant consensus in POCT practice in the UK and Ireland but highlights specific inequity in newer biomarkers, some which do not have support from national guidance. A clear strategy to overcome the key obstacles of funding, evidence base, and standardising variation will be essential if there is a drive toward increasing implementation of POCT.