Lab Bulletin

POC (Point of Care) haematology analysis has been available at Watford General Hospital Accident and Emergency department for 10 years. However, following a CPA audit it was agreed a POC analyser able to deliver full audit trails was required to ensure complete CPA compliance.  

"In order for our POC haematology analysis to be fully CPA compliant we had to make some changes", explains Jo Nicholson, Special Haematology Section Manager at Watford General Hospital. "We needed an analyser that would provide comparable results to the laboratory with a 5-part differential. We also needed a system that would link with the laboratory information systems (LIMS) and keep a record of all results. Finally, we required password protection and user ID so that we could track and manage operators and ensure only trained personnel were using the analyser." 

Using their many years of expertise, HORIBA Medical's Technical Team were already developing a solution to address the POCT CPA requirements. "We had been working in partnership with our customers in a variety of POC settings to trial a new solution for POCT providing password protection, remote monitoring and full audit", explains Simon Aylen, Technical Support Specialist at HORIBA Medical - UK. "As a result of this evaluation programme we were pleased to launch the Pentra SAfe solution for HORIBA Medical CPA compliant haematology and clinical chemistry analysis providing remote bidirectional access with user ID, password protection and full audit trails. Our objectives were to ensure quality results and patient safety wherever our analysers were placed outside of central hospital laboratories. Together, the ABX Pentra 60C+ haematology analyser and the Pentra SAfe solution enable full POCT CPA compliance." 

CPA compliance achieved 

Having submitted evidence of the changes that have been implemented to meet the CPA POCT requirements, the remote haematology analysis at the Watford General Hospital has passed with "flying colours". 

"With the personal approach HORIBA Medical took in developing a CPA compliant POC Haematology system at our request, we now have a solution in place that not only meets CPA requirements but that our medical staff trust and are extremely confident in using", concludes Jo Nicholson. "The Accident and Emergency staff have total confidence in the analyser and are seeing confirmation of results they expect to see. The majority of patients are able to be admitted or discharged following POC results alone ensuring less waiting time." 

For more information please visit www.horiba.com/uk/medical