Implementation of a multi-parameter Point-of-Care-blood test analyzer reduces central laboratory testing and need for blood transfusions in very low birth weight infants

Blood sampling for laboratory testing is a major cause of iatrogenic blood loss and anemia in neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] patients. The objective of the study was to assess whether the implementation of a multi-parameter Point of Care Test [POCT] (Roche, Cobas b221) analyzer affected blood loss for central laboratory testing and need for red blood cell transfusion in our NICU. This was a retrospective observational cohort study in a NICU with comparison of two serial cohorts of 2years each. Implementation of a multi-parameter POCT decreased central laboratory performed testing for bilirubin (−32% per patient) and electrolytes (−36% per patient). On average, the net blood volume taken per admitted patient for electrolyte testing decreased with 23.7% and 22.2% for bilirubin testing in the second cohort. After implementation of POCT, fewer very low birth weight infants [VLBWI] required blood transfusion (38.9% vs. 50%, p