Are i-STAT results adversely affected by an artificial blood substitute in vivo?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether i-STAT measurements on blood treated with hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier-201 (HBOC-201) would provide laboratory test results comparable to those achieved with a known reliable piece of equipment (Radiometer) for swine blood treated with HBOC-201. HBOC-201 is an artificial blood substitute solution being considered for use by medics in the field for the treatment of combat casualties. The i-STAT is a portable compact piece of laboratory equipment used for rapid assessment of blood samples under field conditions, instead of larger, hospital-based, laboratory equipment. Blood from pigs was obtained before and after administration of HBOC-201. The blood was tested with the i-STAT and the Radiometer. No drastic inaccuracy in test results with the i-STAT can be predicted for battlefield casualty care with potential HBOC-201 use, because laboratory results with the i-STAT and Radiometer were comparable with respect to blood testing after the administration of HBOC-201.