MLS for Glucose Testing Aids POC Diagnostics in UK

A managed laboratory service (MLS) for point of care (POC) diagnostics will improve blood glucose testing services in Liverpool hospitals (UK).

The MLS covers 185 wireless-enabled Accu-Chek Inform II blood glucose meters, which will be located in four hospitals at three sites in Liverpool. Connectivity to the laboratory information system (LIMS)--and ultimately to the hospital information systems--will be achieved via wireless connection, using the cobas IT1000 dedicated data management system. Information is to be transferred bidirectionally and automatically, allowing real-time availability of test results and a full audit trail.

Before the adoption of the MLS service, handheld glucose meters have been used. Kath Ashton, POC testing manager for the blood sciences department for the Liverpool National Health Service (NHS) Trust (UK), will be responsible for handling the new blood glucose testing service. She explained why the current system is problematic, "Performing nearly half a million tests every year, monitoring internal quality control, and external quality assessment of glucose testing was extremely labor intensive, involving bimonthly audits on each instrument."

This will be one of the first POC managed laboratory service agreements in the U.K. Roche UK (Welwyn Garden City, UK) will provide the new service, which will help the Trusts meet new and on-going Clinical Pathology Accreditation (CPA) requirements for POC glucose testing.

Related Links:
Liverpool National Health Service Trust
Roche UK