Point-of-Care Testing

Point-of-Care Multiplex PCR Testing in Nursing Homes: Impact on Respiratory Outbreak Management and Emergency Transfers

By MedXY 07/09/2026

A cluster randomized trial in Toronto nursing homes found that on-site multiplex PCR testing improved viral detection and reduced emergency department transfers during respiratory outbreaks, though it did not alter outbreak size or frequency.

Family Medicine & Nutrition Infectious Diseases news

Rapid Respiratory Point-of-Care Testing and Antibiotic Use in Primary Care: A Randomized Clinical Trial

By MedXY 05/22/2026

A randomized trial found that rapid respiratory point-of-care testing did not reduce same-day antibiotic prescribing in primary care, though it was safe and may help when a virus is detected.

Critical Care Internal Medicine news

Mind the Gap: Why Point-of-Care and Central Lab Electrolytes Are Not Interchangeable in the ICU

By MedXY 03/29/2026

A prospective study highlights significant discrepancies between point-of-care and central laboratory sodium and potassium measurements in the ICU, revealing a 10.48 mmol/L limit of agreement for sodium and a widespread lack of physician awareness regarding these analytical biases.

Clinical Updates Critical Care news

Electrolyte Monitoring in the ICU: Bridging the Gap Between Point-of-Care and Central Laboratory Discrepancies

By MedXY 03/17/2026

This review analyzes the analytical biases between direct and indirect potentiometry for sodium and potassium measurement in critical care, highlighting significant clinical classification discrepancies and a widespread lack of physician awareness regarding methodological differences.