Point-of-care testing: The driving technology knowledge is key

Point-of-care testing (POCT), laboratory testing performed at or near the patient's bedside, gives physicians real-time knowledge of a patient's laboratory data when such data are most meaningful in the clinical decision-making processes. POCT devices include analyzers, which are used to assess blood drawn from the patient, and monitors, which are used to evaluate blood circulating in the patient's vascular system. Information collected by or from POCT devices includes laboratory test results, patient demographic information, quality-control feedback, and calibration and maintenance records. In most cases, these data are fed into local POCT data management systems. The goal for all POCT platforms is eventual POCT data integration into the hospital's information system.