"Our method demonstrates good analytical performance for IVF laboratories wishing to implement a robust quality assurance system to monitor pH in embryo culture media. Compliance with stringent pre-analytical and analytical conditions is essential."

"Accuracy of blood gas analysis by the portable BGA in comparison to the reference BGA [RapidPoint 500]was adequate for clinical use. Because of portability and ease of handling, portable BGA are valuable diagnostic tools for use in everyday practice as well as under challenging field conditions."

"A three-step testing sequence combining a risk factor questionnaire with a point-of-care test [i-STAT, ABL800 FLEX and StatSensor] and confirmatory laboratory testing appears to be a cost-effective use of NHS resources compared with current practice. The risk of contrast causing acute kidney injury to patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of < 30 ml/minute/1.73 m² is uncertain. Cost-effectiveness of point-of-care testing [i-STAT, ABL800 FLEX and StatSensor] appears largely driven by the potential of point-of-care tests to minimise delays within the current computed tomography pathway."

"I-STAT and epoc were, analytically and clinically, the most performant POC devices included in this study but showed to be less user-friendly. StatSensor did not meet any of the error criteria, neither for creatinine nor for eGFR measurements, and gave more clinical major classification errors. However, it proved to be more user-friendly compared to the other POC devices."

"With most of the measured blood gas parameters, the epoc analyzer correlated well with reference techniques [Siemens Rapidlab 1265 and Rapidpoint RP500 and Siemens Dimension Vista and Sysmex XE-2100 analyzers]. The epoc analyzer is suitable for rapid measurement of the blood gases, the electrolytes, and the metabolites in the ICU."

Temperature management for the Abbott i-STAT and Siemens Healthineers epoc remains a significant challenge in prehospital and emergency care. While numerous portable and low-cost solutions have been described, the evidence for their effectiveness is limited and inconsistent, and existing data suggest only minimal performance deterioration outside manufacturer-specified temperature ranges. These findings highlight the need for more robust evidence, improved strategies, and collaborative, shared decision-making approaches to better address temperature-related limitations in real-world settings.

The epoc® system is fit for use in surgical and ICU settings, showing high accuracy for blood gases, electrolytes, lactate, and glucose [compared to the RAPIDPoint 500] and for hematocrit/hemoglobin [compared to HemataSTAT-II and Sysmex XN-10]. However, it is not recommended for renal assessment due to a significant positive bias in creatinine [compared to Abbott Architect c8000 and Roche Cobas c702]. This bias leads to inaccurate eGFR calculations and inconsistent CKD staging, requiring laboratory confirmation for clinical decisions.

"The EPOC® device had minor negative bias, was not interchangeable with the CBC hemoglobin, and was less reliable when the EPOC® value was < 7 g/dL. Clinicians must consider speed versus accuracy, and should check a CBC within 30 min as confirmation when the EPOC® hemoglobin is < 7 g/dL until further prospective trials are performed in this population."

"A three-step testing sequence combining a risk factor questionnaire with a point-of-care test [i-STAT, ABL800 FLEX and StatSensor] and confirmatory laboratory testing appears to be a cost-effective use of NHS resources compared with current practice. The risk of contrast causing acute kidney injury to patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of < 30 ml/minute/1.73 m² is uncertain. Cost-effectiveness of point-of-care testing [i-STAT, ABL800 FLEX and StatSensor] appears largely driven by the potential of point-of-care tests to minimise delays within the current computed tomography pathway."