Evaluation of a portable clinical analyzer in a veterinary hospital setting.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of a portable clinical analyzer for determination of blood gas tensions, electrolyte and glucose concentrations, and Hct in a hospital setting.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

ANIMALS

50 dogs, 50 cats, and 28 horses, all clinically normal.

PROCEDURE

Blood samples were analyzed on a portable clinical analyzer to determine concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, BUN, glucose, and ionized calcium and values of Hct, pH, PCO2, and PO2. Values obtained were compared with those obtained from the same blood samples, using a standard automatic analyzer (serum sodium, potassium, chloride, BUN, and glucose concentrations), a cell counter (Hct), a blood gas analyzer (pH, PCO2, PO2), and a calcium-pH analyzer (ionized calcium). Bias (mean difference between values obtained on the same sample by different methods) and variability (SD of differences) were determined for all values. Data were also subjected to Deming regression analysis.

RESULTS

Correlation coefficients were > 0.90 for all values except potassium and ionized calcium concentrations. Bias and variability were within clinically acceptable limits (+/- 2 SD) for all but potassium, ionized calcium, and glucose concentrations and Hct. Species-dependent variability was observed for glucose concentration and Hct.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Most differences between values obtained with the portable clinical analyzer and standard clinical laboratory systems could be accounted for by differences in type of sample tested (blood vs serum). The portable clinical analyzer is suitable for point-of-care analysis in critical care situations and for routine blood biochemical analysis when extensive laboratory support is unavailable.