Effect of Creatinine Point-of-Care Testing on Turnaround Time for Computed Tomography Exams with Intravenous Contrast

Abstract Emergency departments often have a stigma of long wait times. They face multiple challenges related to the flow of patient care due to the variety of factors that affect care and treatment. In order to support patient-centered care, the purpose of this project was to determine if point-of-care testing of creatinine decreases turnaround time for computed tomography exams with intravenous contrast in the emergency department. A mixed methodology of consecutive sampling and retrospective data collection was used. In all, 128 ratio data elements were reviewed, including a retrospective review of 64 charts from September 2018 and a consecutive sample of 64 charts from September 2019 for ED patients aged 18 or older who had a CT with IV contrast exam ordered and completed. Results showed a decrease in turnaround time of 66 minutes. Further research and data collection are recommended to ensure sustainability and a hardwired process change and to determine other benefits of implementation of point-of-care testing in the emergency department. Keywords: point-of-care testing (POCT), intravenous (IV) contrast, turnaround tim