Which of the following is a characteristic of POCT devices?

Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) devices are specifically designed to facilitate testing close to the patient, often at the site of care rather than sending samples to a distant laboratory. This characteristic allows for rapid results and timely decision-making in patient management. POCT devices include handheld devices, portable analyzers, and compact equipment that can be easily utilized in settings such as clinics, emergency rooms, and even patients' homes.

The focus of POCT is to enhance patient care by reducing the time it takes to obtain test results, which can lead to quicker diagnosis and treatment. As a result, these devices are typically user-friendly, allowing healthcare providers who may not be laboratory technicians to operate them effectively, which contrasts with the need for extensive laboratory infrastructure or specialized training found in traditional lab settings.