The benefits of Abbott’s point-of-care tests and how to implement them in your practice

Point-of-care testing

Point-of-care testing (POCT) allows clinicians’ consultations to be guided by real-time evidence.1 The testing, interpretation of results and a discussion of treatment options can all occur in the initial appointment, thereby decreasing the necessity of follow-up appointments to discuss laboratory results.1 A fast turnaround of results improves patient satisfaction while remaining cost-effective.2,3

POCT facilitates the shift called for by the NHS Long Term Plan by enabling patients to receive care through a more adaptive, community-based approach.4

Abbott has a range of POCT devices and a variety of tests that can be run on them; read on to learn about two tests in particular that could be used in your practice.

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The AfinionTM haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) assay facilitates your monitoring of metabolic control in diabetic patients by quantitatively determining the level of glycated haemoglobin in whole blood.5

The role of HbA1c point-of-care testing in the primary care setting

Abbott conducted an advisory board to hear the benefits and concerns surrounding HbA1c POCT from clinicians themselves. The faculty consisted of eight clinicians who recognised the benefits HbA1c POCT provides, such as tackling health inequalities and socioeconomic deprivation, when certain barriers are removed.

The faculty noted some barriers to POCT adoption, including general resistance to change in the NHS.

A possible solution suggested by the faculty is impactful education for commissioners and clinicians on the value of POCT.

Read the full report to see the faculty’s recommendations for mitigating HbA1c POCT concerns.

The AfinionTM C-reactive protein (CRP) assay quantitatively determines the amount of CRP in a patient’s blood sample to supplement your antibiotic decision-making during consultation.6

The role of CRP point-of-care testing in the primary care setting

Although CRP POCT contributes to the prevention of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), commissioning bodies are slow in their uptake of CRP POCT.

Abbott brought together an advisory board of eight clinicians to discuss the barriers in primary care surrounding implementation of CRP POCT. Together, they developed strategies to mitigate barriers as well as discussing the logistics of communicating the business case within the NHS.

The faculty agreed that CRP POCT is an advantageous tool in the fight against AMR, but the benefits presented are usually long term. To create a strong business case for adoption, the short-term benefits need to be presented, such as reducing the number of appointments.

Read the full report to see the business case made by the faculty.

The European Network for Antibiotic Stewardship at the Point-of-Care (ENASPOC), have a range of resources presented by experts to guide the use of CRP POCT. Find out how to use CRP POCT, how to interpret the values and the evidence that supports its use.

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