What type of laboratory testing is used in most routine medical settings?

Point-of-care testing (POCT) is widely used in most routine medical settings because it allows for immediate results at the site of patient care, which is essential for timely decision-making. This form of testing is designed to be simple and quick, often requiring minimal equipment and training, making it feasible for use in various healthcare environments such as clinics, emergency rooms, and even at patients’ homes.

The advantages of POCT include reduced turnaround times for results, which enables healthcare providers to make faster clinical decisions. Additionally, it enhances patient satisfaction as individuals receive their results without the need to wait for lab processing. Common examples of POCT include blood glucose meters, rapid strep tests, and some urine tests, all of which play vital roles in everyday patient management.

In contrast, research testing, clinical trial testing, and experimental testing are generally not conducted in routine medical settings as they involve more complex protocols, are not focused on immediate patient care, and often require controlled environments that are not typical of standard clinical practice.