Clinical correlation between the Point-of-care testing method and the traditional clinical laboratory diagnosis in the measure of the lipid profile in patients seen in medical offices

Correlação clínica entre a metodologia Point-of-care testing e o diagnóstico laboratorial tradicional na dosagem do perfil lipídico de pacientes atendidos em consultórios médicos

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Elevated plasma levels of lipids are considered the main modifiable risk factor for the cardiovascular disease. The Point-of-care testing (POCT) method provides quick results and allows anticipating diagnosis and treatment.

Objective:

To compare the lipid profile results obtained from both POCT and the traditional clinical laboratory.

Methods:

Fasting blood samples were collected from 111 patients who sought, for any reason, the private medical offices participating on this study. Capillary whole blood samples were analyzed in CardioChek^® PA (CCPA) equipment, and the serum samples were analyzed in clinical laboratories (LAB) that have internal and external quality control, with certification. The mean values of each variable of the lipid profile obtained by CCPA and LAB were calculated. Linear regression was used to determine the existence of correlation between the two methods.

Results:

We observed a positive correlation between the values obtained by CCPA and LAB for all variables of the lipid profile. Our data, extracted from the routine use of CCPA in private medical offices, supports a substantial contribution of the POCT methodology in the detection of the main cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusion:

The POCT CardioChek^® PA Analyzer is an easy-to-operate tool, with adequate analytical performance and a good correlation with the results of the conventional laboratory method, therefore, considered a reliable method.

Key words:
lipids; point-of-care testing; cardiovascular diseases