Comparison of sodium and potassium measurements in the emergency department by point-of-care vs. central laboratory testing

Key Points

• The aim is to compare sodium and potassium measurements from point-of-care tests versus central laboratory tests in emergency settings.
• Conducted measurements of sodium and potassium using both point-of-care and central laboratory methods.
• Evaluated correlation and agreement of the two testing methods using ICC criteria.
• Focused on patients with dysnatremia and dyskalemia to identify systematic deviations.
• Potassium measurements showed very strong correlation and good agreement between testing methods.
• Sodium measurements demonstrated only moderate correlation and poor agreement according to ICC criteria.
• Frequent systematic deviations were observed, specifically in patients with electrolyte imbalances.