Point Of Care Testing

Question 1

Answer objectives

Answer 1

Refer to handout.

Question 2

What is point of care testing?(2 definitions)

Answer 2

It is the testing of a patient’s samples outside the confines of the clinical laboratory.
OR
It refers to testing that can be performed using a device located at the patient or near the location of the patient(e.g the patient’s home/operating room) rather than in a central laboratory)

Question 3

Other names for Point of care testing?

Answer 3

1.Decentralized testing
2.Near patient testing
3.Bedside testing
4.Satellite testing
5.Ancillary testing
6.Peripheral testing

Question 4

Why are Point of care tests done?

Answer 4

Because the more rapid generation of results will improve patient care.

Question 5

What are the challenges or limitations of the devices used in Point of Care testing?

Answer 5

1.Cost
2.They require/need specialised training
3.The test is subject to the same quality control standards that exist in central labs

Question 6

What are some of the tools used in POCT?

Answer 6

1.Thermometer
2.Blood Glucose monitor
3.Home pregnancy test
4.Rapid strep tests
5.A dipstick

Question 7

Examples of POC Tests?

Answer 7

1.Glucose
2.Urinalysis
3.oxygene saturations
4.Malaria Rapid tests
5.Coagulation
6.HIV
7.Covid 19
8.Hemoglobbin/hematocrit
9.hCG,Ketones/glucose
10.Blood gases-pCO2,pO2
10.Cutaneous bilirubin

Question 8

Who uses point of care tests?

Answer 8

1.Physicians
2.Surgeons
3.Medical students
4.Anesthetists
5.Registered Nurses
6.Nurse technicians
7.Paramedics