May 3, 2005

James Nichols, PhD, DABCC, FACB

Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) is laboratory testing conducted at or near the site of patient care. The need for quality test results and ever changing regulatory environment has prompted the development of complex quality assurance (QA) programs for POCT managed by the laboratory director and POC coordinators. This presentation offers tips that an integrated health system have found to be important to promoting successful POCT QA programs. Standardizing devices can minimize the efforts needed to manage a program, but applying good management principles is a fundamental skill required for success. Effective communication can set the tone of cooperation between different departments. POCT teams must recognize individual viewpoints and build common goals and priorities through compromise. Networking with peers, continuous research and use of device connectivity are some ways that programs can improve their quality. But with the rapid advances in POCT technology and variety of issues facing POCT programs, the most important tips for successful POCT include the appropriate use of POCT, integration of POCT into patient care pathways, and promotion of site self-management through a positive institutional culture.