The state of point-of-care testing: a european perspective

Abstract

Point-of-care testing (POCT) refers to any diagnostic test administered outside the central laboratory at or near the location of the patient. By performing the sample collection and data analysis steps in the same location POCT cuts down on transport and processing delays, resulting in the rapid feedback of test results to medical decision-makers. Over the past decades the availability and use of POCT have steadily increased in Europe and throughout the international community. However, concerns about overall utility and the reliability of benefits to patient care have impeded the growth of POCT in some areas. While there is no agreed-upon standard for how success should be judged, the increases in speed and mobility provided by POCT can lead to substantial advantages over traditional laboratory testing. When properly utilized, POCT has been shown to yield measurable improvements in patient care, workflow efficiency, and even provide significant financial benefits. However, important organizational and quality assurance challenges must be addressed with the implementation of POCT in any health care environment. To ensure maximal benefits it may be necessary to evaluate critically and restructure existing clinical pathways to capitalize better on the rapid test turnaround times provided by POCT.

Key words:

• laboratory analyses
• near patient testing
• outcome measurements
• point-of-care

Acknowledgements

Medical writing and editorial support for preparation of this manuscript were provided by Cory Hussar, PhD, and Robin Smith, PhD, of The Curry Rockefeller Group, LLC, Tarrytown, NY. Funding for this support was provided by Abbott Point of Care. However, the opinions expressed are solely those of the authors, and the authors confirm independence from the funding source. The authors received no payment for their work.

Declaration of interest: Roman Greig-Pylypczuk has received a travel grant and an honorarium from Vox Medica within the last 18 months. Anders Larsson and Albert Huisman have no disclosures or conflicts of interest to report.