(1538) Increasing the Use of a Hemostasis Analyzer: Decreasing Turnaround Time in the Intensive Care Unit

Introduction: A Thromoboelastography (TEG) can take between 30 to 60 minutes to run compared to the Hemostasis Analyzer (QPLUS POCT) between 12 to 15 minutes (Shaydakov, 2023 ) . A study conducted in 2021 (Idowu, 2021) showed the accuracy of QPLUS POCT compared to TEG with QPLUS POCT resulting in availability in a shorter time. The purpose of this project is to measure the usage of QPLUS POCT post education in the SICU. In the Surgical ICU will the use of QPLUS increase clinician usage compared to TEG to determine appropriate blood product prescribed by the provider over one year.

Methods: This EDP project consisted of the nursing staff of the surgical, trauma and liver transplant ICU. The initial phase consisted of education of the QPLUS POCT which consisted of training 4 day shift and 4 night shift nursing staff. Quantra is now linked in the CS link lab results tab for faster interpretation. Data usage is recorded and reported back to the SICU by the Cedars-Sinai Pathology, the results show usage increase from July to September (Q3) increase QPLUS was shown in both (Q4 and Q1) October to June.

Results: In the initial training there was about 90 tests ran in June 2022, after increased number of nurses were trained, the usage increased, to around 140/ month with 426 tests ran in Q3, in Q4 (October to December) there was 315 tests ran and in FY23 Q3 there was 451 test ran. The average TEG time per test is around 40 min compared to QPLUS 15 min, which equates to saving 188 hours collectively in FY23 Q3.

Conclusions: Quantra Q plus system showed an increase of testing usage due to fast assay start time and time to assay completion. The implementation of the Quantra resulted in a change in the pattern of blood product utilization leading to a demonstrated decrease in the amount of blood products transfused. The time saved in the clinical interventions improved nurse satisfaction being involved in the process of identifying blood product transfusion need. Nurses also feel empowered through inclusion in the interpretation process with results. MDs increased satisfaction on being able to correct coagulation issues in a more efficient manner.