From the Research
Accuracy of Potassium Levels in a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) using an i-STAT Analyzer
- The accuracy of potassium levels in a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) using an i-STAT analyzer is supported by several studies 1, 2, 3, 4.
- A study published in 2000 found that the i-STAT portable clinical analyzer produced accurate and precise results for potassium levels, with a high correlation to routine laboratory methods 1.
- Another study from 1994 compared point-of-care potassium testing using a handheld analyzer to laboratory measurements and found no statistically or clinically significant difference between the two methods 2.
- A 2022 study assessed the accuracy of potassium measurement using a blood gas analyzer and found that the results were accurate and reliable, with more than 95% of the data falling within ± 2 standard deviations of the mean difference 3.
- A 2008 study compared potassium levels measured by arterial blood gas analyzers to laboratory measurements and found sufficient agreement between the two methods to enable effective clinical decisions to be made 4.
- However, it is also important to consider preanalytical errors that can impact potassium results, such as patient factors, sample type, blood collection procedure, and tube processing, as highlighted in a 2023 review 5.
- These studies suggest that the i-STAT analyzer can provide accurate and reliable potassium levels in a BMP, but it is essential to follow proper preanalytical procedures to minimize errors.