What is Point-of-Care (POC) Testing? A Brief Overview

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By Yhordan Serpentini | September 21, 2022

Last week, we discussed what Direct Access Testing (DAT) was, what it provides, and the many benefits that come with it. We will continue to look into the different laboratory testings available for you to utilize for your utmost healthcare convenience. This week, we will be discussing what Point-of-Care is, which was briefly overviewed in the last blog. So, what is Point-of-Care (POC) testing?

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

What is POC?

Point-of-Care (POC) testing, also referred to as near-patient testing, remote testing, satellite testing, or rapid diagnostics, involves any tests that are performed directly at–or near, as an alternative–the site where the patient is being treated or receiving treatment. Additionally, POC testing is convenient for producing rapid and reliable results without having to go to a laboratory testing facility.

For example, if you were to have blood work done–a type of lab testing–while at an annual wellness checkup, then you received point-of-care testing. Another example of receiving POC testing would be if you were being screened, or if your blood was being tested, at a medical facility for any use of drugs or drug abuse.

Where Can POC Testing Be Performed?

POC testing spans many areas of medicine, and the medical field for that matter, so it is available to be performed in a wide variety of locations–both within and outside of medical facilities.

The most common locations where Point-of-Care testing can be performed are:

  • Remotely
  • Practitioner’s Office
  • Public Health Vans
  • Ambulances
  • Scene of an Accident
  • Radiology Department
  • Emergency Department
  • Urgent Care
  • Biocontainment Patient Care Units
  • Military Clinics

The list can go on and on. In some cases, you can even receive POC testing while on a cruise ship or over-the-counter at your local pharmacy.

Types of POC Testing

Knowing where you can receive POC testing is good, but also knowing what kinds of testing are available to be performed is also good to have in mind. As mentioned earlier, Point-of-Care testing spans a wide range of the medical field, allowing for testing to similarly have a broad selection.

The most common types of Point-of-Care tests are:

  • Blood Glucose Monitoring
  • Remote Pregnancy Testing
  • Blood Chemistry Testing
  • Fecal Occult Blood Testing
  • Rapid Strep Testing
  • Prothrombin Time Testing
  • Hemoglobin A1C Testing
  • Rapid Cardiac Markers Diagnostics
  • Blood Gas Analysis
  • Electrolytes Analysis
  • Rapid Coagulation Testing
  • Drug Abuse

The Benefits of POC

There are several great benefits of receiving and performing Point-of-Care testing, such as convenience–rather than having to drive to your local or nearest laboratory testing facility, you can directly receive one from where you are being treated, saving both time and money. Additionally, test results are shared instantly with the care providers rather than having to wait several days.

Other benefits of POC testing include:

  • Reduced clinical visits
  • Reduced length of hospital stay
  • Faster hospital discharge
  • Reduced number of unnecessary hospital admissions
  • Better optimization of drug treatment
  • Reduced use of blood products
  • Reduced incidence of complications
  • Reduced reoperation or readmission rate
  • Opportunities for ownership of healthcare

References:

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