The point-of-care analyzers recommended by healthcare professionals

Point-of-care (POC) analyzers are diagnostic instruments that are used in the presence of the patient, often in acute care or primary care clinical facilities. This testing provides rapid and reliable results, helping healthcare providers to identify or manage chronic diseases or acute infections.

POC analyzers are commonly used for electrolyte and enzyme analysis, and to test for glucose, cholesterol and hemoglobin levels, the presence of drugs of abuse, and for pregnancy. Additionally, blood gases, cardiac markers and fecal occult blood can also be tested using POC devices.

Advancements in medical technology have produced an array of point-of-care tests (POCTs) for differing diagnostic purposes, and healthcare professionals have plenty of choice when choosing the most appropriate tests for their facilities. Here, we share some of the POC analyzers recommended by our clinical laboratory scientists.

Some considerations for purchasing POC analyzers are:

• The type of tests that are required
• Space limitations/requirements; some POC devices are handheld, while others are benchtop models

RAPIDPoint 500e Blood Gas System

The RAPIDPoint^® 500e Blood Gas System adds to the extensive blood gas portfolio of Siemens Healthineers. This easy-to-use POC analyzer delivers fast, accurate and comprehensive test results in just 60 seconds. Healthcare professionals can test for blood gas, electrolytes, glucose, lactate and full CO-oximetry.

The RAPIDPOINT 500e system provides high levels of accuracy from sample to sample, leveraged by Siemens Healthineers-designed Integi-sense™ Technology. This device has received rave reviews from scientists and clinicians, with many praising its accuracy and simplicity, with one user stating "Very good machine, accurate results, user friendly, cost effective, no complaints, effectively and quick service."

Read the full reviews for the RAPIDPoint 500e Blood Gas System.

ABL90 FLEX PLUS Blood Gas Analyzer

The ABL90 FLEX PLUS Blood Gas Analyzer by Radiometer is another popular POC device that offers results in only 35 seconds on 19 different parameters – providing greater clinical insight to make life-saving diagnostic decisions.

This device is a popular choice for busy intensive care centers, as one major UK hospital trust says that “staff love them as they are quick and easy to use”. Many clinicians have also praised the after-sales support and value for money.

Read the full reviews for the ABL90 FLEX PLUS Blood Gas Analyzer.

Hemo Control

Another POC analyzer reviewed by our laboratory scientists on SelectScience is Hemo Control, the hemoglobin and hematocrit analyzer by EKF Diagnostics. This analyzer is designed to provide quantitative, laboratory-quality hemoglobin and hematocrit results in just 25 seconds.

Hemo control is widely used in blood banks, hospitals and physician offices for routine screening of anemia. It is perfect for both stationary and mobile uses, due to its backlit display, soft-load cuvette holder and integrated rechargeable battery.

One reviewer attests that Hemo Control is “accurate, reproducible, portable and easy to operate”. Reviewers also say that it comes with a “friendly interface that can be integrated with LIMS” and that Hemo Control “delivers great results with zero breakdown”.

Read the full reviews for Hemo Control.

Nova StatStrip Glucose Monitoring System

The Nova StatStrip^® Glucose Monitoring System offers laboratory-level quality and accuracy in bedside glucose testing. It is the only bedside glucose testing system that eliminates glucose errors due to hematocrit interference – which can cause errors as large as 40%. This feature makes this device extremely valuable in many medical environments, including in settings that carry out neonatal testing.

Reviewers state, "Easy to use, great results, able to use with critically ill patients” and “it is quick (results within 6 seconds) and accurate for a POCT device.”

Read the full reviews for the Nova StatStrip^® Glucose Monitoring System.

If you’d like to read more reviews on point-of-care analyzers, visit our point-of-care analyzers product directory.

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