ENHANCING RAPID DIAGNOSTICS IN EMERGENCY NURSING: A LABORATORY PERSPECTIVE

Shams Mohammed Alqahtani*, Ola Yousef Fadan, Ali Khalil Hassan Khader, Khalid Bataa Albeladi, Ali Jamal Alanazi, Nawal Hayef Bejad Almutairi, Meshal Abdullah Alanazi

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT
Background: Emergency nursing plays a pivotal role in delivering rapid, accurate care to critically ill patients. Prompt diagnostics play a crucial role in informing decision-making processes; however, delays in receiving laboratory results frequently obstruct the achievement of the best possible patient outcomes. Recent advancements in laboratory technologies, such as point-of-care testing (POCT) and automated diagnostic systems, present promising opportunities to improve both the speed and accuracy of diagnostics in emergency care settings. Nonetheless, incorporating these technologies into nursing practices brings forth several challenges, such as gaps in training, the need for seamless workflow integration, and considerations regarding resource allocation. Aim: This paper aims to explore the integration of rapid laboratory diagnostics into emergency nursing practice, assess their impact on patient outcomes and nursing efficiency, and provide recommendations for overcoming implementation challenges. By focusing on the collaboration between nursing and laboratory teams, this study seeks to highlight how diagnostic innovations can revolutionize acute care settings. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, encompassing peer-reviewed articles, case studies, and observational research on the use of rapid diagnostic tools in emergency nursing. Comparative analysis of pre- and post-implementation outcomes of POCT and advanced laboratory systems was undertaken. Key focus areas included diagnostic accuracy, time-to-treatment metrics, and workflow adaptations in emergency departments. Results: Rapid diagnostics significantly reduced time-to-diagnosis and improved clinical decision-making in emergency nursing. Patients presenting with critical conditions such as sepsis and myocardial infarction benefited from earlier interventions. Efficiency in care delivery was enhanced through streamlined workflows and reduced reliance on centralized laboratory systems. Challenges included resistance to change among nursing staff, training requirements, and the need for alignment between nursing and laboratory protocols. Conclusion: The integration of rapid diagnostic technologies into emergency nursing workflows has the potential to transform patient care by improving diagnostic speed and accuracy. These advancements support better patient outcomes and enhance nursing efficiency. However, successful implementation requires addressing barriers related to education, workflow integration, and resource allocation. Future research should focus on scalable solutions, the long-term impacts of these technologies, and strategies to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.

Keywords: Emergency nursing, Rapid diagnostics, Point-of-care testing, Laboratory integration, Patient outcomes, Nursing efficiency, Diagnostic technologies.