Radiometer’s AQT90 FLEX analysers have been used in a successful trial to asses D-dimer point-of-care testing (POCT) for suspected lower limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT), in which a reduction in patient waiting times of up to 75% was achieved.
Neal Aplin, Advanced Clinical Practitioner at the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, explained how the Great Western Hospital’s ambulatory care unit (ACU) took over the provision of the DVT testing after the local community service closed in 2017. The ACU introduced the AQT90 FLEX in a bid to reduce waiting times which could be more than two hours for a laboratory D-dimer result. First and foremost, the POCT system was assessed for comparable clinical outcomes to the laboratory, and on patient safety.
Radiometer’s AQT90 FLEX analyser was then implemented and successfully provided D-dimer testing in less than 21 minutes. This greatly reduced the length of patient stay and waiting times, enabling faster diagnoses and an improved patient experience. Neal commented: "The AQT90 is very user-friendly and its rapid diagnostic (IVD) ability has had a significant impact on improving our patient flow and experience."
The resounding benefits gained from trialling the AQT90 FLEX analyser for DVT at the point of care were considered a 'game-changer' for the ACU. The analyser is now successfully being used to aid in the diagnosis of venous thromboembolism. Neal also notes that there is hope to expand POCT further in the ACU in the future.
