WHAT IS THE POINT-OF-CARE TESTING?

Point-of-care testing, according to author Christopher Price, is "the provision of a test when the result will be used to make a decision and to take appropriate action, which will lead to an improved health outcome." The key objective of point-of-care testing (POCT) is to produce a result more quickly, so the utility of POCT is in the immediacy of response. The two most common sites for POCT are the patient's routine living environment and the intensive care unit, although changing healthcare delivery is taking POCT into many other arenas. The reliability of POCT depends greatly on the technical performance of POCT devices as well as compliance with treatment protocols. Today, demands for improved clinical, operational, and economic outcomes have contributed to expanded use of point-of-care tests.

POCT LISTSERV

Have a question about point-of-care testing?  Ask it on AACC’s point-of-care testing listserv.  To subscribe, go to AACC's point-of-care testing listserv.

JOIN AACC'S CRITICAL AND POINT-OF-CARE TESTING DIVISION

One of AACC's largest divisions, CPOCT provides education and networking opportunities for sharing ideas, experiences, and strategies in critical and point-of-care testing. Visit  the CPOCT webpage to learn more about division activities.

Educational Opportunities

Online Learning

Point-of-Care Specialist Certificate Program
September 1, 2009 — August 31, 2010
Enrollment opens June 1, 2009

Conferences

Contemporary Regulatory and Clinical Issues in Point of Care Testing
Sponsored by the AACC North Carolina, Southeast, and Texas Local Sections in conjunction with the CPOCT Division

November 5-7, 2009, New Orleans, LA

8^th Annual POC Forum (Information available Mid-April)
July 29, 2010, Anaheim, CA

New Directions in Point-of-Care and Critical Care Testing: Innovation, Controversies, and Partnerships

Call for abstracts deadline: May 1, 2010
September 22-25, 2010, Boston, MA

AACC Books

Point-of-Care Testing for Managers and Policymakers: From Rapid Testing to Better Outcomes
Christopher P. Price and Andrew St John

• 2006, 128 pages, softcover
• ISBN 9781594250514
• $57 Member/$72 Non-Member

Point-of-Care Testing, 2nd Edition
Christopher P. Price, Andrew St John, and Jocelyn M. Hicks

• 2004, 488 pages, softcover
• ISBN 9781594250125
  
• $104 Member/$130 Non-Member