Quantum dots-based point-of-care measurement of procalcitonin in finger-prick blood and venous whole blood specimens

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether the performance of a new quantum dots-based point-of-care test (POCT) devices is qualified for procalcitonin testing. Methods: Finger-prick and venous blood specimens from 153 patients were measured with a quantum dots-based POCT device; the results were compared with those from the reference method. Results: The quantum dots-based POCT device correlated well with the reference method in measuring plasma, venous whole blood, and fingerprick blood. No significant bias was observed (-0.08 ng/mL). At 0.5 ng per mL cutoff value, the concordances were 96.6%, 94.6%, and 90.5% for plasma, venous whole blood, and finger-prick blood, respectively. And at 2 ng per mL cutoff value, the concordances were 98.0%, 96.6%, and 95.3%, respectively. Conclusions: The quantum dots-based POCT device measured procalcitonin with multiple specimen types, high sensitivity, wide detection range, and short turnaround time. It would allow a more widespread use of procalcitonin and help lessen the burden of overcrowding in healthcare facilities in China.