Point of Care

Question 1

What is point of care testing?

Answer 1

Medical testing at or near the site of patient care

Question 2

What can POC techniques focus on?

Answer 2

1. Diagnostics e.g cardiac biomarkers (e.g troponin) and detection of infectious agents (e.g covid 19)
2. Monitoring e.g blood glucose, blood gas analysis
3. Screening e.g drug abuse, pregnancy, infectious agents e.g covid19

Question 3

Types of technology types that support professional POC?

Answer 3

1. Small bench top analysers
   -smaller versions of lab analysers, with vulnerable operator steps, automated (e.g flushing of samples after analysis)
   -appropriate IT support/connectivity to main laboratory systems (LIMS) essential for quality care
2. Hand held devices
   -outwardly simple but internally complex
   -dominant technologies are biosensor strips and lateral flow strips

Question 4

Factors to consider in development/implementation of POC?

Answer 4

• Needs of user i.e healthcare professionals vs self-monitoring/community based POC
  -simple to use
  -reagents and consumables are robust in storage and usage
  -results should be comparable to established laboratory methods
  -devices and associated reagents/consumables safe to use
  -potability
  -fast throughout
  -cost
  -IT / connectivity capability

Question 5

Examples of applications and technologies -

Answer 5

1. Bench top analysers
2. Immunostrips
3. Hemoglobin measurements

Question 6

Role of POC in clinical settings and patient management?

Answer 6

1. SOPs needed for every POC device
2. Appropriate training and competency assessment of operating staff is essential
3. QMS models in place to review and monitor all aspects of POCT
4. Can achieve standardization via ISO Standards 22870
5. Integrated IT systems are essential
6. Success is based on multi-discipline operation and effective communication