What is the primary purpose of proficiency testing in point-of-care testing (POCT)?

The primary purpose of proficiency testing in point-of-care testing (POCT) is to assess the accuracy and reliability of POCT results. Proficiency testing serves as an essential quality assurance mechanism that allows laboratories and healthcare facilities to verify that their testing systems produce correct and consistent results. This process typically involves sending samples to the testing site that are known to have specific characteristics. By comparing the test results obtained from the POCT device with the known values, healthcare providers can determine whether the testing methods in use are functioning within established performance criteria.

Accurate POCT results are critical for effective patient management and treatment decisions. Therefore, proficiency testing helps ensure that healthcare professionals can rely on the readings obtained from point-of-care devices, thereby improving overall patient outcomes. This focus on accuracy and reliability is essential in any medical testing environment, especially in settings where timely decisions are necessary based on POCT results.