Acute - NT POCT Program

iSTAT POCT

Since it began in 2008, this program has proven to be operationally effective. The number of patient tests conducted annually has increased ten-fold and qualitative research has demonstrated a high level of satisfaction with the program among a range of stakeholders including doctors, remote area nurses and Aboriginal Health Practitioners.

The i-STAT POCT program is also clinically effective, with particular impact on improving clinical outcomes for cardiac and acutely ill patients. Many remote health staff have commented that the use of the i-STAT has enabled patients to be safely monitored and stabilised on-site and led to improved patient safety in remote communities.

There have been multiple instances of saved medical evacuations due to the ability to conduct on-site POC testing to evaluate the immediate clinical status of patients (with resultant cost savings of approximately $21 million per annum for the Northern Territory Government).