POC HCG testing

Hi, we use the MTE feature in Nova.  There's a max of 10 tests and we use them all!  You have to do some build in NovaNet and then add your cartridge and QC lot and exp info.  Our process is the user logs in, selects Manual (for manual testing), Manual Patient or Manual QC, taps List in the lower right, select the hCG lot # from the displayed list, scan the patient's armband or for QC they select List and choose the QC lot #, then select Positive or Negative for the Patient or QC result.   I have additional QC prompts to document the internal QC (QC line present, background clear).  Then they're at the final review screen and if everything is correct, they select Accept.  I don't have experience with the other system, but really no complaints with Nova.

We use MTE for our manual tests also just like Anita but we haven't added the QC portion yet.  We only have them entering the patients.  Because our kits have lot barcodes that will not read on the Nova we make labeled barcodes for the sites to print out and put on their boxes that way they scan everything.  Other than that our process is similar to Anitas.  I love MTE and I wish they would expand to more than 10 tests, we have no more room to add more.

We use MTE and StatStrip, the users enter in the patient result and the internal QC result.  Our LIS blocks all tests with failed internal QC.  We print barcodes with the LOT and expiration date of the kit and place them on the kits.  The users scan these barcodes to document what Kit LOT they used to perform the test.  (As Adonica stated the StatStrip meters can't scan the box barcode because it is too many digits long.)
Prior to this, the users were required to perform the test and then go find a computer and login and document the results... we found that it was common for the user to just tell the RN/Dr the results and fail to actually document them.   Having the meter at the testing location, and much easier to document the results... improved documentation rates.  We also included the LOT  number into the documentation when we switched to MRE with the StatStrip, which we were missing when they had to find a computer to enter in the results.   WHO ran the test is also who documents it in the StatStrip.... which wasn't necessarily true prior.  We also have 100% control over WHO can enter the results now, (did they perform the competency?), we didn't prior to this.

Those of you that use MTE with Nova - how many Nova meters do you have in each location versus the volume of testing? Our biggest location is our ED - they have 5 Nova meters and I fear we'd have to purchase additional meters to have enough available to staff for all of the pregnancy testing they do. I have the same fear of offering pregnancy testing on the Clinitek Status Connect because it takes 5 minutes for negatives so our busy areas like the ED - they would need multiple devices in order to have multiple staff doing pregnancy testing at the same time. But I'd like to interface their pregnancy tests, just not sure which is the best way!

We are are 175 bed hospital with a 40ish bed ED.  They have 11 meters spread out there between the soiled utility rooms where they do the manual tests and Clinitek and the main areas.  They do all their manual testing in the soiled utility rooms so it's easier with testing being contained in specific locations.   Last year we did almost 3,500 urine preg tests in the ED.

We are about a 50-ish bed ER with 7 Nova meters and 1 interfaced Clinitek.  The only MTE in our ER is Strep and we do about 80/month.  We do about 100 hCGs/month.  I prefer the automated read with the Clinitek because having to read a preg test at a specific time would most likely be tough for them.  

Part of a large hospital system (>20 facilities) and we have pretty much established the Clinitek STATUS as the standard means of performing urine hCG.  Having spent years chasing QC omissions and documentation errors with manual testing, essentially the Clinitek takes any brainwork out of it.  Won't generate a result unless internal cartridge QC is acceptable, easily interfaced and configured and the cost is generally low enough that even if multiple devices are needed to keep up with volume, it doesn't break the bank.  I can't imagine how even the busiest of ED's that 2, or 3 at the most, wouldn't be enough to keep up with heavy volumes.  Would like to see some improvements on lock-out features, but still a solid instrument.

Alma,  Clarification:
The Nova StatStrip glucometer does not perform the test itself.  It is used as a data entry method for the manual kit test results (not just HCG) into the medical record.  I summarized a number of benefits in a previous post for using it this way rather than having the user find an available computer and enter it there.

Went from hundreds of paper forms in our SSU and ER to resulting via a different brand glucometer. One of the easiest IT projects I've dealt with as POCC. No downsides from our conversion; only benefits. Lots of them.