Great Big Biomedical Science Quiz - POCT

1 Capillary glucose is frequently measured by POCT in type 1 diabetics. Which other biochemical analyte is also  frequently measured by POCT in this group of patients?

2 What is the main difference between direct ion-selective electrodes (ISE) and indirect ISE? Which type of ISE is used in blood gas analysers?

3 In thromboelastograph (TEG), which part of the POCT device is rotating whilst the other part is stationary during the testing?

4 Which analytical methodology is used by the Hemocue device for POCT measurement of haemoglobin?

5 Why do some urine dipsticks test for ascorbic acid?

6 Which marker is frequently measured at the point of care for patients on warfarin treatment?

7 Some POCT for respiratory viruses (e.g.COVID-19) use a NAAT method. What is NAAT an abbreviation of?

8 What does the international standard ISO/TS 22583 provide guidance for?

Answers below:

1 Capillary glucose is frequently measured by POCT in type 1 diabetics. Which other biochemical analyte is also  frequently measured by POCT in this group of patients?
Ketones

2 What is the main difference between direct ion-selective electrodes (ISE) and indirect ISE? Which type of ISE is used in blood gas analysers?
Direct ISE, the specimen is brought to the electrode surface without dilution. Indirect ISE, the specimen is diluted with buffer prior to electrode contact. Direct ISE are used in blood gas analysers.

3 In thromboelastograph (TEG), which part of the POCT device is rotating whilst the other part is stationary during the testing?
The cup.

4 Which analytical methodology is used by the Hemocue device for POCT measurement of haemoglobin?
Modified azide methemoglobin reaction. Red blood cells are haemolysed to release haemoglobin, haemoglobin is converted to methemoglobin which is then combined to azide. Transmittance and absorbance are measured.

5 Why do some urine dipsticks test for ascorbic acid?
A high proportion of the populations have urine Ascorbic acid [vitamin C ] levels sufficient to falsely lower urine blood and glucose results measured by the dipstick.

6 Which marker is frequently measured at the point of care for patients on warfarin treatment?
International Normalised Ratio [INR]

7 Some POCT for respiratory viruses (e.g.COVID-19) use a NAAT method. What is NAAT an abbreviation of?
Nucleic Acid Amplification Test

8 What does the international standard ISO/TS 22583 provide guidance for?
Guidance for supervisors and operators of point of care testing services where POCT is performed without medical laboratory training.