Bev Snaith, Lead Consultant Radiographer, Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust informed delegates about a recent trial of point of care (PoC) creatinine to identify at-risk patients before they are exposed to contrast media during a CT scan.
“Our aim was to improve the cancer care patient pathway without compromising safety in any way. The point of care testing was carried out in addition to the normal pathway of lab testing.
In collaboration with Leeds, three different handheld devices were employed and 300 patients were tested to see if the machines were accurate when compared to the lab results. If a concern was raised, it was flagged and the patient’s scan delayed until the lab test came back. Outcomes of the initial trial have been very encouraging and the devices have proved effective and accurate.
“We started to think that we could change patient management, improve safety and the pathway and that PoC could have a role."
Key aims
• Improved patient experience
• Improved patient outcomes
• Improved patient pathways
• Improved safety for patients