Point of Care Testing (PoCT)

Point of Care Testing (PoCT) is any analytical test performed by non-laboratory healthcare professionals at the point of patient care or a site near to the patient, and outside of a conventional laboratory setting.

Testing in this way can give faster access to test results so that clinical decisions can be made immediately with improved care pathways.

PoCT is carried out in a wide range of care settings, in primary care, the community and secondary care (in hospitals), supporting the delivery of the right care in the right place at the right time. It also supports the NHS Improvement development program Getting it Right First Time (GIRFT).

Point of Care Tests within the Trust

Point of Care tests typically involve testing whole blood, urine, other fluids or swabs. POCT is often accomplished through the use of transportable, portable, and handheld instruments, such as blood glucose and ketone meters or INR meters. Benchtop analysers are also available for blood gas, pH, electrolyte, haemoglobin measurement (co-oximetry), glucose and lactate analysis. Urinalysis analysers are also available for rapid and accurate urine testing or strips can be visually read. There are also urine analysers which are used to test for pregnancy. Rapid Molecular testing is also now available to test for viruses, such as Influenza A and B.