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How i-STAT Can Improve Surgical Care
Surgery has always been an essential part of the healthcare industry worldwide for over a century. It is often the only form of therapy that can help reduce the risk of death from health conditions like traumatic injuries, cancers, and cardiovascular diseases. The need for fast and accurate testing is paramount with the rapid increase of these conditions over the past year. Luckily, healthcare diagnostic companies like Abbott, have created the i-STAT Handheld Blood Analyzer. The i-STAT, with its groundbreaking point-of-care testing capabilities, is transforming how surgeons, particularly neurosurgeons, thoracic and cardiovascular surgeons, and transplant surgeons, approach both pre-operative and intraoperative care.
Real-Time Data: A Game-Changer for Surgeons
i-STAT features like a single draw and real-time response are vital in the surgical setting. Surgeons can quickly obtain crucial blood test results, enabling faster and more informed decision-making. The ability to perform multiple tests on one platform eliminates the need for repeated blood draws, reducing patient discomfort and improving workflow efficiency.
Pre-Surgery Efficiency with Chem-8 and CG8 Cartridges
For pre-operative preparations, the i-STAT Handheld Blood Analyzer offers Chem-8 and CG8 cartridges, which provide a comprehensive overview of a patient’s metabolic and hematologic status.
Chem-8 Cartridges: These are essential for basic testing, delivering results for key analytes including sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and hematocrit. This allows surgeons to assess a patient’s overall health and readiness for surgery with a single blood sample.
CG8 Cartridges: Adding to the capabilities of the Chem-8, the CG8 cartridge includes blood gas analysis, which is crucial for patients with respiratory or metabolic issues. This is particularly beneficial for thoracic and cardiovascular surgeons, who need to ensure optimal respiratory function before proceeding with surgery.
Surgical Precision with CG8 and ACTK Cartridges
During surgery, the i-STAT Handheld Blood Analyzer continues to support surgeons with the CG8 and ACTK cartridges.
CG8 Cartridges: The real-time blood gas, electrolyte, and chemistries data provided by the CG8 cartridge help surgeons monitor the patient’s status continuously. This is critical in neurosurgery, where maintaining proper electrolyte balance and blood gas levels can significantly impact neurological outcomes.
ACTK Cartridges: For cardiovascular and transplant surgeries, coagulation management is paramount. The ACTK cartridge provides activated clotting time (ACT) results, enabling surgeons to manage anticoagulation therapy effectively during procedures. This is particularly vital during complex procedures like cardiac bypass or organ transplants, where precise control of blood clotting is necessary to prevent complications.
Seamless Integration and Operational Benefits
One of the standout features of the i-STAT is its bedside testing capability. Surgeons no longer have to rely on central lab results, which can delay critical decision-making. The portability and ease of use of the i-STAT device mean that tests can be conducted in the operating room, with results available in minutes.
Furthermore, the i-STAT requires no maintenance or calibration testing, which simplifies its operation and reduces downtime. This reliability ensures that the device is always ready when needed, a crucial factor in emergency situations.
Elevating Surgical Outcomes with i-STAT
For neurosurgeons, thoracic and cardiovascular surgeons, and transplant surgeons, the i-STAT is a transformative tool that enhances both pre-operative and intraoperative care. By providing rapid, accurate, and comprehensive data from a single blood draw, it empowers surgeons to make timely and informed decisions, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
The integration of i-STAT into surgical practice signifies a significant advancement in medical technology, paving the way for more efficient and effective surgical care. As healthcare continues to evolve, the role of innovative tools like i-STAT in supporting surgical excellence becomes ever more critical.
