Hospital
A market survey of 317 hospitals, conducted by the Enterprise Analysis Corporation in 2007 and updated in 2008, reveals substantial growth in the number of hospitals performing point-of-care testing (POCT).
Abstract: Quantitative Point-of-Care Troponin I in Emergency Department in Comparison With Troponin I in Central Laboratory
Point of Care: The Journal of Near-Patient Testing & Technology: March 2010 – Volume 9 – Issue 1 – pp 12-20 doi: 10.1097/POC.0b013e3181d07e22
Many patients may present simultaneously in emergency departments. We must ensure that patients are treated in the order of their clinical urgency and that the treatment is appropriate and timely. Rapid cardiac marker testing may aid in early detection of acute coronary syndromes. It is almost impossible for laboratories to deliver cardiac biomarker results in less than 30 minutes, using serum- or plasma-based assays. Use of plasma for measurement of cardiac biomarkers eliminates the clotting process involved in producing serum and therefore reduces the overall turnaround time for biomarker testing.
Point-of-care devices allow cardiac troponin I testing using anticoagulated whole blood specimens at the site of patient care delivery. Elimination of transport and centrifugation can reduce the overall turnaround time to less than 30 minutes.
Laboratory
According to CAP, Point of Care Testing refers to those analytical patient tests provided within the institution, but often performed outside the physical facilities of the clinical laboratories. POCT represents a shift in testing from the central laboratory to the patient bedside, particularly tests that provide life-saving information that is time dependent.
POCT can work in combination with central laboratory testing to improve result turnaround time by providing preliminary and often critical results to the attending physician to accelerate treatment. POCT provides accurate, convenient and affordable solutions to improve diagnostic testing.
FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF POCT PRODUCTS SEE OUR TEST CATALOGUE.