What is Point-of-Care Testing (POCT)?

Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) is defined as diagnostic testing that is conducted at or near the site of patient care. This means that tests can be performed in various settings such as clinics, emergency rooms, or even patients' homes, allowing for immediate results and rapid decision-making regarding patient care. The benefit of POCT lies in its ability to provide timely information, which can improve outcomes by enabling swift interventions.

Testing away from healthcare facilities does occur, but it does not capture the essence of what POCT is, which specifically emphasizes the proximity to where the patient is receiving care. Similarly, testing that requires a laboratory for results falls outside the remit of POCT, as one of its key features is the capability to provide results without the need for traditional laboratory infrastructure. Lastly, saying that POCT only encompasses blood tests conducted in hospitals is too limiting, as POCT can involve a wide range of tests (not just blood tests) and is applicable in many other environments, including outpatient settings, pharmacies, and home care. Thus, the most accurate definition of POCT is the one that highlights testing at or near the site of patient care.