FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 n diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) n nonketotic hyperosmolar conditions n hypoxemia n gross edema n severe anemia n polycythemia vera Several of the aforementioned conditions can occur in non-critically ill patients. Therefore, limiting the fingerstick POC BG meter use in critically ill patients does not consistently eliminate use of POC testing when laboratory testing would be more appropriate. Additionally, limiting the use of POC BG meters in critically ill patients excludes the use in patients that may be in an ICU setting, but do not have any of the relative contraindications listed above. Moving forward, it is essential that providers and institutions understand that critically ill does not equate with being in an intensive care unit. Policies must be developed to define a ”critically ill patient,” with whom the use of fingerstick capillary blood via a POC BG meter may be a relative contraindication. The list above serves as a starting point in developing such a definition; however, the outlined alternatives to POC BG meters will require significant workflow planning, purchasing considerations and clinical discussion. Most importantly, instead of threatening citations and fines, CMS and FDA must collaboratively work with hospitals and clinicians to develop better alternatives to fingerstick capillary POC BG meters, which are presently serving as the best way to manage critically ill patients. Andrew Rhinehart is chief medical officer, and Melanie Mabrey is vice president of clinical practice, Glytec. 13 ADVANCE FOR MEDICAL LABORATORY PROFESSIONALS POCT Laboratory Technologist II Duke University Health System, a progressive facility located in the heart of North Carolina, currently has a full-time p osition available for a Certi ed Medical Technologist on third shift in Transfusion Service. Applicants must possess a d e sire to become an integral member of a team providing blood products at a level 1 trauma center to patients in a safe, e f cient manner. Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills as well as the ability to solve problems are a must. Applicants must have a Baccalaureate Degree (preferably from a Clinical Lab Science program) and certi cation by a nationally r ecognized agency at the technologist level. Technologists perform complex serological testing using solid phase technol o gy and prepare blood components for a diverse patient population. New grads welcome to apply. Relocation assistance is available. Duke University Health System offers an excellent working environment with a competitive salary and comprehensive bene ts package. The Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area offers broad academic, cultural and leisure opportunities. For more information, contact Mary Lee Campbell via e-mail at mary.campbell@duke.edu or call 919-668-2236. More information is available at our website at www.hr.duke.edu. Duke University is an Af rmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
ADVANCE for Medical Laboratory Professionals • February/March 2016
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