Cardiac Diagnostics and the Challenge of ER Testing

More than 10 years after it was introduced on a broad scale in non-glucose applications, point-of-care testing (POCT) has found a place in carefully selected niches in hospitals. It's still not part of mainstream care, however. Data indicating the importance of getting rapid test results on cardiac markers, notably troponins and BNP, is tempting POCT in vitro diagnostics manufacturers to forge closer relationships with non-lab clinicians, even as they cater to their core, but resistant, laboratory customer base. Manufacturers are going to have to make their devices smaller, easier to use, cheaper, and better connected to data management systems if they want to lower the central labs' resistance to POCT.