[W2] Point of Care Testing in Diagnosis of Disease Flashcards
(71 cards)
What is POCT?
The analysis of biological specimens outside of the general laboratory
What are the 5 alternative definitions for POCT?
- near patient testing
- bedside testing
- ancillary testing
- extra-laboratory testing
- decentralised testing
Why is POCT used?
Quick turn around time
- used to make quick decisions
- reduces hospital stay time
- patients moved to relevant wards faster
What are the 5 benefits to POCT?
- optimised drug treatment
- more appropriate use of drugs
- reduced use of blood products -Rotem
- reduced used of lab staff, equipment and space (depends)
- virtual wards/community care of frail/elderly patients so that they are treated in the comfort of their home
What are the 3 drawbacks of POCT?
- cost
- quality of results (most staff that use have no core professional experience) (require risk assessment)
- training and certification is very cumbersome (3000 operators vs a team of less than 10)
What must a business case for a POCT device include?
Budget allocation, sustainability, and cost over £10,000 must use an existing framework or tendering process.
What factors should be considered when choosing a POCT device?
Technology, ease of use, and affordability.
Who is involved in the verification of POCT devices?
Clinical scientists, biomedical scientists, associate practitioners, and admin staff.
What specialists are part of the POCT verification team?
H&S, IT, Quality, and training specialists.
Who requires training for POCT?
Doctors, nurses, allied healthcare professionals, and care assistants.
What is involved in the POCT rollout?
Device distribution and reagent procurement.
Who performs daily maintenance of POCT devices?
The POCT team or ward staff.
What is the role of the POCT Committee?
Overseeing development, implementing policy, and ensuring quality assurance.
What does the POCT policy ensure?
Proper maintenance, quality assurance, accurate recording, and user training.
Why should POCT procedures be considered hazardous?
They involve body fluids and are classified as “dirty” activities.
Where are many point-of-care tests performed?
At the patient’s bedside or in the doctor’s office.
What should be provided for POCT devices used in general locations?
A designated area for device storage and essential consumables.
Where can small, portable POCT devices be placed?
On a trolley or worktop.
What facilities should be easily accessible for POCT device use?
Hand wash facilities and necessary IT equipment.
What physical barrier should a POCT room have if near patients?
A fixed solid screen between the benchtop device and patients.
What type of benching is required in a dedicated POCT room?
Continuous laboratory-grade benching with completely sealed joints.
How should walls be protected in a POCT room?
With a continuous plastic splashback from the benchtop to the ceiling.
Why should under-bench cupboards have no kickboards?
To allow easy cleaning and prevent contamination.
What hand hygiene requirement must be met in a POCT room?
Easy access to a hand wash basin with no doors between the POCT area and the basin.
