POCT
Point of Care Testing (POCT) is any analytical test, or group of tests, performed for a patient by a healthcare professional outside the conventional laboratory setting for example in wards, theatres, emergency departments. POC tests include; glucose, blood gas, INR, cholesterol, hCG and urinalysis.
Safety and quality must be ensured for POC testing in the same way as it is for laboratory testing. The role of the POCT team based in Pathology is to ensure that this occurs by:-
- Advising on the suitability of introducing POCT equipment
- Supporting the introduction of POCT equipment and providing on-going maintenance and troubleshooting for equipment as appropriate
- Ensuring only trained staff and competent staff can use the POCT equipment
- Monitoring the performance of the POCT equipment using quality control material
- Supplying documentation such as training guides, standard operating procedures, notices etc
- Performing regular audits to ensure the POCT equipment is being used correctly.
