Assessment of the accuracy and precision of the i-Smart 30 VET Electrolyte Analyzer in dogs, cats, cattle and pigs

Background Performance evaluation of point-of-care (POC) electrolyte analyzers is essential for determining their precision and accuracy in clinical practice. Objective The purpose of this study was to validate the i-Smart 30 VET Electrolyte Analyzer for canine, feline, bovine, and porcine samples in comparison with the ion-selective electrolyte analyzer Roche 9180 electrolyte analyzer. Methods A total of 400 heparinized whole blood samples were collected and analyzed by both instruments for sodium, potassium, and chloride concentrations. Within-run, between-day, and total imprecision were evaluated. Statistical analyses included tests for correlation, regression, bias, and total error. Results The coefficients of variation (CV) of both within-run and between-day imprecisions in the i-Smart 30 VET ranged from 0.4–1.6%. In addition, total CV (0.3–1.7%) and total error (0.7–3.7%) of the i-Smart 30 VET were acceptable according to the ASVCP guidelines (  .98). There was no proportional error according to the regression (slope ranges 0.92–1.00, 95% CI includes 1.00), but a constant error was detected for sodium concentration in dogs (interval = 0.5), cattle (interval = 3.0), and pigs (interval = 4.0), and for chloride concentration in cats (interval = 1.0). Most of the bias was within 95% CI, and the total error range (0.8–3.5%) was acceptable according to ASVCP guidelines. Conclusion The i-Smart 30 VET Electrolyte Analyzer provides precise and accurate measurements of sodium, potassium, and chloride concentrations in whole blood samples from dogs, cats, cattle, and pigs.