What is a characteristic of waived tests in POCT?

Waived tests in Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) are designed to be simple and user-friendly, which significantly minimizes the risk of error during their administration. These tests are typically straightforward in their procedures and do not require specialized laboratory equipment or extensive training to perform. The design of waived tests ensures that they can be reliably executed by healthcare providers with minimal technical skill, making them accessible for use in various settings outside of traditional laboratories, such as clinics or even patients’ homes.

The hallmark of waived tests is their ability to provide quick results while maintaining an acceptable level of accuracy and reliability, which is essential for effective patient management. This simplicity supports the goal of POCT, which is to offer immediate diagnostic information that can facilitate timely clinical decisions.