What is meant by Point-of-care testing?
The term "Point-of-Care Testing" (POCT) refers to medical tests performed directly at the site of patient care, without the need to send samples to a laboratory. These tests enable rapid diagnosis and treatment adjustments since the results are immediately available on-site. POCT is commonly used in emergency departments, intensive care units, during home visits, or in general practice.
Typical software functions in the area of "Point-of-Care Testing":
- Data Integration: Automatic transfer and integration of test results into the electronic health record (EHR) system.
- Quality Control: Monitoring and documenting the quality and accuracy of the tests performed, including device calibration and maintenance.
- Result Documentation: Storing and managing test results directly in the patient's profile to keep them available for ongoing care.
- Alert and Notification Function: Immediate notification of medical staff in the event of critical test results.
- Device Management: Managing POCT devices, including maintenance schedules, usage logs, and device availability status.
- Reporting: Generating reports and statistics on the tests performed, test results, and device usage.
- Connectivity: Ensuring secure and reliable connectivity between POCT devices and the facility's central IT system.
Examples of "Point-of-Care Testing":
- Blood Glucose Measurement: Performing a blood glucose test on a diabetes patient directly in the doctor's office or at the bedside.
- Blood Gas Analysis: Analyzing blood gases (oxygen, carbon dioxide) in a patient in the intensive care unit to monitor respiratory function.
- Pregnancy Test: Conducting a pregnancy test on a patient in the emergency department to quickly make a diagnosis.
- Urine Analysis: Immediate analysis of a urine sample to rule out infections or other conditions.
- Heart Attack Marker: Testing for specific biomarkers (e.g., troponin) when a heart attack is suspected, to make quick therapeutic decisions.