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Point of care testing (POCT) refers to a laboratory medicine service using small analytical devices (including test kits and analysers), near the patient rather than in the traditional environment of a clinical laboratory.

Technological advances have resulted in widespread availability of relatively simple devices, which facilitate immediate analysis of samples outside the clinical laboratory. Applications range from simple dipsticks for analysis of urine to electronic meters, which may be used for screening for some common disorders or for monitoring responses to therapy.  Meters used by patients with diabetes for monitoring their blood glucose concentration are well known.  Such point of care testing (POCT) is an increasingly popular means of performing analyses.  Its major benefits are the immediate availability of results with a shorter time to therapeutic intervention and improved patient outcome. 

Point of Care Testing medical devices are regulated under the European Directive on in-vitro diagnostic medical devices.  However, there are concerns that incorrectly performed tests or inappropriately interpreted results could put patients at risk.

In 2006 The Faculty of Pathology of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland together with the Association of Clinical Biochemists in Ireland, the Academy of Medical Laboratory Science, and the Irish Medicines Board which is the regulatory agency for medical devices in Ireland, formed a Point of Care Testing Consultative Group. The terms of reference of this group were to produce guidelines for safe and effective management and use of POCT in Ireland and to disseminate the guidelines to the major stakeholders.

These guidelines address the need to ensure correct usage and appropriate application of these devices in order to minimise the chance of errors, which could be harmful to patients. Areas covered include requirements for overall management, operator training, quality assurance, and interpretation of results.

For further information please contact;

Paul McAuliffe, Communications Manager
Royal College of Physicians of Ireland
Direct : 01 8639765
Mobile : 087 682 1046
Main Ph: 01 8639700
paulmcauliffe@rcpi.ie
www.rcpi.ie

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