POC testing boosts cholesterol screening rates in Pennsylvania

A new study shows that point-of-care (POC) testing for lipid levels can greatly improve the screening of preteens during routine visits. This research, published in the journal Pediatrics, highlights how making testing easier can increase the number of children screened for high cholesterol. Before the study, testing rates at three pediatric clinics in Pennsylvania were very low, between 1% and 10%. This is below the recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for preteens aged 9 to 11. After implementing POC testing, the overall rate of lipid screenings rose to about 50%. Dr. Ruth Gardner, who led the study, noted that the main issue was the difficulty of getting blood tests done. Many children are anxious about having blood drawn, and not all clinics have labs on-site. This leads to many lipid tests being ordered but not completed. Confusion among doctors about the necessity of testing preteens also adds to the problem. The study examined four methods to encourage testing: clinician feedback, POC testing, clinical decision support tools, and education for staff. It involved 6,762 patients over a two-year period, starting in May 2021. During the first year, only one clinic offered POC testing, which allowed nurses to perform finger prick tests without requiring fasting. This led to a jump in testing from 6.4% to 51.7%. At the other clinics, after a year of educational initiatives, POC testing was introduced and led to increased screening rates as well. One clinic's testing went from 10% to 59%. After POC testing began, same-day screening rates soared from 51.2% to 96.3%. Dr. Gardner emphasized the importance of addressing lipid screening during routine visits. This means patients can learn their results immediately. Many parents hesitate to get their healthy children tested, thinking it's unnecessary. The POC testing machines cost between $800 and $1,400, with test strips ranging from $10 to $15. While insurance usually covers some costs, the initial expense of the machine may be prohibitive for smaller practices. Despite these challenges, experts like Dr. Justin Zachariah stress the need for testing. One in five children in the U.S. has high cholesterol and may face heart disease later in life. Screening early can help manage or reduce this risk. The study did not receive external funding, and the authors disclosed no conflicts of interest.