Comparing 2 point-of-care testing devices for lipid profiling

This study examined the comparability of 2 commonly used point-of-care testing (POCT) devices available on the Irish market for lipid profiling; the Cholestech LDX and the Reflotron Plus lipid profile analyzers. A total of 80 University College Cork staff members were selected randomly for a free health screen, involving measurement of weight, height, body mass index, blood pressure, resting pulse, waist circumference, and blood glucose. Two capillary blood samples were also taken to assess the participant's lipid profile using the analyzers mentioned. There was a statistically significant difference between the devices when reporting total cholesterol (P < 0.0005, n = 76), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (P < 0.0005, n = 63), and triglyceride levels (P < 0.05, n = 59). There was no significant difference between the machines when reporting low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (P > 0.05, n = 49). A κ measure of agreement indicated clinically significant differences between the devices when reporting both total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. There were statistically significant differences and clinical differences between the 2 POCT devices tested. These inconsistencies between POCT devices may affect patient management.