Key result
Point-of-care hs-cTnI testing at triage shortened median time to result visualization compared to central laboratory testing and saved ~€25 per patient.
Why the study?
Does Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) for hs-cTnI at triage reduce turnaround time, Emergency Department length of stay, and operating costs compared to central laboratory testing in adults presenting with atraumatic chest pain?
Observational (n=86)
No
Does Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) for hs-cTnI at triage reduce turnaround time, Emergency Department length of stay, and operating costs compared to central laboratory testing in adults presenting with atraumatic chest pain?
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Implementing point-of-care hs-cTnI testing at ED triage for chest pain patients substantially reduces turnaround time and ED length of stay, yielding a net economic saving of approximately €25 per patient despite higher per-test analytical costs.
Chest pain is a leading cause of Emergency Department (ED) admissions, accounting for about 10% of cases in Italy. Rapid detection of ischemic events using high-sensitivity cardiac Troponin I (hs-cTnI) enables faster rule-out and improved patient flow. However, turn-around time (TAT) may be delayed by sample transport and centralized lab processing. This study aims to assess the time and economic advantages of implementing Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) for hs-cTnI in the ED. Our observational study included 86 adults with atraumatic chest pain consecutively presenting to the ED (September-October 2024). Hs-cTnI was measured at triage using a POCT device and in the Central Laboratory. Time to result availability, ED length of stay, and operating costs were extracted from hospital systems. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, and POCT versus laboratory turnaround times were compared using the Mann-Whitney test. A statistically significant difference between central laboratory and POCT (median 80 vs 4.5) mean time between blood collection and visualization of hs-cTnI results by the ED physician was found. Even though the POCT cost per test is higher than the central laboratory, the use of POCT may help saving about €25 per patient by reducing ED length of stay (LOS). In conclusion, POCT hs-cTnI testing at triage significantly shortens time to clinical decision-making in chest pain patients, reducing ED length of stay and helping mitigate overcrowding. Despite higher analytical costs, the time saved yields an overall economic benefit, supporting POCT adoption for early risk stratification in the ED.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Velocci et al. (2026) conducted an observational in Atraumatic chest pain in the Emergency Department (n=86). Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) for high-sensitivity cardiac Troponin I (hs-cTnI) at triage vs. Central Laboratory hs-cTnI testing was evaluated on Turnaround time (time between blood collection and visualization of hs-cTnI results by the ED physician). Point-of-care hs-cTnI testing at triage shortened median time to result visualization compared to central laboratory testing and saved ~€25 per patient.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: