Background: Point-of-care testing for C-reactive protein (CRP) may be helpful in differentiating viral from bacterial infection. Such a device should give results comparable to laboratory testing. The aim was to evaluate two point-of-care CRP tests (Nycocard and QuikRead) in febrile children in general practice, compared to a reference immunoturbidimetric assay.
Methods: Cross-sectional study of febrile children aged 3 months to 6 years presented to a general practice out-of-hours service. Children were visited at home, where blood was taken for the tests, within 24 hours of presentation. The Nycocard test was performed at home, whereas the QuikRead and reference test were performed in the laboratory.
Results: 76 children were enrolled. All three CRP tests were performed in 59 children. The mean difference between the reference test and Nycocard and QuikRead was 0.6 mg/L and –6.1 mg/L, respectively. The slopes of the Passing and Bablok regression were 0.95 (95% CI 0.9-1.0) and 0.83 (95% CI 0.81-0.85) for Nycocard and QuikRead, respectively.
Conclusion: Up to a concentration of 160 mg/L the Nycocard correlated well with the reference test, while the QuikRead underestimated concentrations above 60 mg/L. The Nycocard test seems a good candidate for CRP point-of-care testing in general practice.

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hdl.handle.net/1765/9251
Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine: Associated with FESCC and IFCC
Erasmus MC: University Medical Center Rotterdam

Montenij, M., ten Brinke, M., van Brakel, J., de Rijke, Y., & Berger, M. (2006). Point-of-care C-reactive protein testing in Febrile Children in General Practice. Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine: Associated with FESCC and IFCC. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1765/9251