2024
Cairn
Thomas Tassin et al., « Use of HemoCue® or other portable hemoglobinometers: Results of the national surveys carried out by the SFBC POCT working group », Annales de Biologie Clinique, ID : 10670/1.3cb253...
Hemoglobin (Hb) measurement is a fundamental biological test, especially in emergency situations where quick medical decisions are required. Portable hemoglobinometers, such as HemoCue®, provide a delocalized solution for capillary whole blood. The French Society for Clinical Biology (Société Française de Biologie Clinique, SFBC)’s POCT News and Issues working group designed and conducted two national surveys to assess the use and management of these devices, both on the clinical and biological side, with 306 and 160 responses respectively. The surveys revealed little effective or desired network connection, heterogeneity in management and training, and only 7% of sites fully accredited, although a quality approach is being structured in 45% of cases. Nearly 80% of biologists suggest reclassification as a rapid diagnostic test, citing difficult standards management and inadequate human resources. However, its daily use goes beyond the simple diagnostic orientation of anemia; blood transfusion decisions without laboratory verification are made by 53% of physicians, while 18% of users are unaware of minimum maintenance procedures, underscoring the need for a rigorous quality approach. The SFBC working group proposes a list of tips to help medical biologists implement this approach, a guarantee of reliable results, in the context of medical decision-making. The selected points are fleet mapping, relations with biomedical and clinical departments, quality documents and minimum method verification, user management, QC management, and traceability of results.