Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT2878

Introduction: Measurement of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and lipid profiles have been the standard monitoring for diabetes control and cardiovascular disease management respectively. Point-of-care testing (POCT) offers quick results with little blood sample needed compared to standard laboratory testing that requires additional time to hospital or health clinic.

Objective: We aimed to compare HbA1c and lipid profile POCT accuracy to the standard hospital laboratory testing and evaluate the potential cost savings from the patients’ perspective.

Methods: Venous blood sample obtained from the diabetes mellitus patients were sent for standard laboratory testing. Simultaneously, capillary blood samples were collected for HbA1c and lipid profiles POCT using Quo-Lab® and PixoTest® respectively. Demographic data, time taken for blood tests, patients’ salary, cost of travelling including distance from hospital, and absenteeism cost were collected. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and correlation coefficient analyses were employed.

Results: Seventy-three patients (mean age 53. 8±12. 4, 60. 3% female) were included. Patients spent median 5(IQR 4) hours for blood taking. HbA1c POCT using Quo-Lab® showed excellent correlation [ICC 0. 984 (95% CI 0. 975, 0. 990), rho=0. 97, P < 0. 001] to the standard laboratory test. However, lipid profiles POCT using PixoTest® showed moderate correlation with the ICC for total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (0. 652, 0. 597, 0. 743 and 0. 704 respectively). POCT translated to cost saving from patients’ perspective was RM61. 65 (IQR RM53. 55) or USD13. 70 (IQR USD11. 90) [1USD =RM4. 50].

Conclusion: The HbA1c POCT showed high reliability while the lipid profiles POCT had moderate reliability as compared to standardised laboratory testing. POCT is a cost saving alternative option for patients who have difficulty to travel or having to miss work for routine blood tests.

Keywords: point-of-care, HbA1c, lipid profiles, cost saving, accuracy