The portable laboratory: an evaluation of the accuracy and reproducibility of i-STAT.

The i-STAT point-of-care testing analyser, which utilizes single-use multisensor cartridges, was evaluated. Two cartridges were assessed: the 6+ and the G3+, which provide results for urea, glucose, sodium, potassium, chloride, haematocrit, pH, PCO2, PO2 and various calculated parameters. The results for all analytes agreed well with the analysers in routine use in the laboratory. The reproducibility was comparable even when analysis was carried out by a nurse with only 5 min training. The system was found to be reliable, easy to use and required no maintenance (only a 2-min daily check of the electronics). These features, together with portability and the storage capacity for results, make the i-STAT suitable for point-of-care use, particularly in critical care units.