Diagnostic Techniques

Question 1

What are lab tests used for?

Answer 1

Screening, which allows detection of sub-clinical disease

Diagnosis, which can either confirm or reject clinical diagnosis

Monitoring

Prognosis, which is the prediction of the treatment or outcome of the disease

Question 2

What are the two main problems that can arise within the lab?

Answer 2

Variation in results depending on the analytic method used.

Interference in the lab analysis.

Question 3

What is POCT (point of care testing)?

Answer 3

Lab test performed in the clinical setting by non-laboratory healthcare professionals

Question 4

What are the advantages of POCT?

Answer 4

Improves turnaround time

Easier to monitor chronic conditions

Require smaller sample volumes

Less clinically invasive

Question 5

What are the disadvantages of POCT?

Answer 5

Expensive

Precision and accuracy in tests undertaken is decreased

Harder to monitor quality control