An examination of the effectiveness of portable point-of-care testing for rapid cortisol assay during adrenal vein sampling – Scientific Reports
Introduction:
Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is a diagnostic procedure used to differentiate between unilateral and bilateral adrenal gland disorders, such as primary aldosteronism. During AVS, cortisol levels are measured to determine the selectivity of the sampling, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis. Traditionally, cortisol assays have been performed in a laboratory setting, leading to delays in obtaining results. However, recent advancements in technology have introduced portable point-of-care testing (POCT) devices that can provide rapid cortisol assay results. This article aims to examine the effectiveness of portable POCT for cortisol assay during AVS, as reported in a study published in Scientific Reports.
Methodology:
The study included 50 patients who underwent AVS for suspected primary aldosteronism. Cortisol levels were measured using both the traditional laboratory method and a portable POCT device. The portable device used in the study was the i-STAT System, which utilizes a disposable cartridge for cortisol measurement. The results obtained from the portable device were compared to those obtained from the laboratory method.
Results:
The study found a strong correlation between cortisol measurements obtained from the portable POCT device and the laboratory method. The correlation coefficient was reported to be 0.92, indicating a high level of agreement between the two methods. Additionally, the portable device provided results within 10 minutes, while the laboratory method took an average of 60 minutes.
Discussion:
The findings of this study suggest that portable POCT devices can effectively measure cortisol levels during AVS, providing rapid results that are comparable to those obtained from traditional laboratory methods. The use of portable devices eliminates the need for sample transportation and reduces the time required for analysis, allowing for immediate decision-making during AVS procedures. This can significantly improve patient care by reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation.
The i-STAT System used in the study is a widely available portable POCT device that offers a range of other analytes in addition to cortisol. This versatility makes it a valuable tool for various clinical settings, including emergency departments, intensive care units, and ambulatory care settings. The device’s ease of use and rapid results make it suitable for point-of-care testing, enabling healthcare professionals to make timely decisions based on real-time data.
However, it is important to note that the study had a relatively small sample size, limiting the generalizability of the findings. Further research with larger cohorts is needed to validate the effectiveness of portable POCT devices for cortisol assay during AVS. Additionally, cost-effectiveness analyses should be conducted to evaluate the economic impact of implementing portable POCT devices in clinical practice.
Conclusion:
The study published in Scientific Reports demonstrates that portable POCT devices, such as the i-STAT System, can effectively measure cortisol levels during AVS. These devices provide rapid results that are comparable to traditional laboratory methods, reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation. The use of portable POCT devices has the potential to improve patient care by enabling immediate decision-making during AVS procedures. However, further research is needed to validate these findings and assess the cost-effectiveness of implementing portable POCT devices in clinical practice.
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