Near-Patient Testing Flashcards
Define near-patient testing (NPT).
Analytical patient testing activities that are provided within the institution, but performed outside the physical facilities of the clinical laboratories
By what synonym is near-patient testing known?
Point-of-care testing
List two staff members who may perform NPT.
Nurse and GP
List six advantages of NPT.
Faster access to results
Quicker turnaround time
Improved patient care
Improved morbidity and mortality rates
Reduced risk of errors
Reduction in associated administrative work
List five NPT analyses which may be offered.
Blood glucose
Albumin in urine
hCG in urine
Alcohol in saliva
Blood gases
List four disadvantages of NPT.
Staff may require substantial training
Results may not be comparable to those generated by a laboratory
No economy of scale
Insufficient or poor recording of data
List three features of NPT to which regulation applies.
Training of staff
Record keeping
QC and QA systems
List four facets of the NPT committee’s role.
Determination if NPT is justified
Establishment of system for continuous assessment of performance
Provision of adequate training to staff
Maintenance of QA and QC systems
Give three supports that should bolster the NPT committee.
Adequate co-ordination
Training of non-laboratory staff
QA assistance
List three facets of the role of the NPT co-ordinator.
Maintenance of QA
Creation of SOP
Incident reporting
List the steps of NPT implementation.
Assessment of the clinical need
Detailed specification
Decisions regarding performance of equipment
Procurement and installation
Training
IQC, EQA, audits, and connectivity
Accreditation
Forging of professional relationships
_____ ________ incorporates POCT/NPT in ‘Annex A’ of the standard.
ISO 15189:2022
True or false: an increased role of NPT is included in the ‘modernisation’ plan for Pathology Services of the HSE.
True
Why is connectivity important in NPT?
Allows the medical scientist staff to monitor instruments
