Experience on how to implement a preanalytical and POCT unit in Madrid’s IFEMA field hospital during this unprecedented COVID-19 emergency

Abstract

To fight the virus SARS-CoV-2 spread to Europe from China and to give support to the collapsed public health system, the Spanish Health Authorities developed a field hospital located in the facilities of Madrid exhibition centre (IFEMA) to admit and treat patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infectious disease (COVID-19). The Department of Laboratory Medicine of La Paz University Hospital in Madrid (LMD-HULP) was designated to provide laboratory services. Due to the emergency, the IFEMA field hospital had to be prepared for patient admission in less than 1 week and the laboratory professionals had to collaborate in a multidisciplinary group to assure that resources were available to start on time. The LMD-HULP participated together with the managers in the design of the tests portfolio and the integration of the healthcare information systems (IS) (hospital IS, laboratory IS and POCT management system). Laboratorians developed a strategy to quickly train clinicians and nurses on test requests, sample collection procedures and management/handling of the POCT blood gas analyser both by written materials and training videos. The IFEMA´s preanalytical unit managed 3782 requests, and more than 11,000 samples from March 27th to April 30th. Furthermore, 1151 samples were measured by blood gas analysers. In conclusion, laboratory professionals must be resilient and have to respond timely in emergencies as this pandemic. The lab’s personnel selection, design and monitoring indicators to maintain and further improve the quality and value of laboratory services is crucial to support medical decision making and provide better patient care.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis and treatment of onco-hematologic patients: a discussion paper

“…In Spain, perhaps the most paradigmatic case is that of the Community of Madrid, which first used the pavilions of a large fairground (IFEMA) which were reconditioned to provide health care in record time. Care in such conditions proved efficient and effective [130][131][132][133][134][135].…”

The Role of Point-of-Care Testing to Improve Acute Care and Health Care Services

“…Point-of-care testing can improve the quality of health services and ensure the provision of necessary health care.Categories: Other, Epidemiology/Public Health, Emergency Medicine Keywords: patient triage, early deposition, early management, early diagnosis, overcrowded, waiting time, short stay, turnaround time (tat), point of care testing During disasters, in camps, field hospitals, and military hospitals, POCT is helpful to diagnose and manage the causalities. It offers flexibility in transportation, allowing it to be deployed anywhere, with minimal waiting time for consistently accurate results [10].When using POCT, some factors should be considered to ensure high-quality results and minimize medical errors. The operator conducting the POCT should undergo extensive training.…”

“…Categories: Other, Epidemiology/Public Health, Emergency Medicine Keywords: patient triage, early deposition, early management, early diagnosis, overcrowded, waiting time, short stay, turnaround time (tat), point of care testing During disasters, in camps, field hospitals, and military hospitals, POCT is helpful to diagnose and manage the causalities. It offers flexibility in transportation, allowing it to be deployed anywhere, with minimal waiting time for consistently accurate results [10].…”