Objective
Objective
Point-of-care testing (POCT) is defined as medical testing at or near the site of patient care by specially trained healthcare (non-laboratory) professionals. These tests typically involve blood, urine, other bodily fluids and stool sample testing. The goal of POCT is to obtain accurate results in a very short period of time at or near the location of the patient supporting the delivery of the right care in the right place at the right time.
POCT can be carried out in a wide range of settings for example:
- In primary care e.g. the GP surgery
- As part of secondary care e.g. on a hospital ward
- Within the community itself e.g. a community pharmacy
In this Pharmacy excellence module the following topics will be covered:
- What is Point Of Care Testing (POCT)
- Why POCT market is growing
- The advantages and disadvantages of point of care testing to the patient and the community pharmacy
- Point of care testing in community Pharmacy, NHS, and private Home Test Kits
- Home Test Kits
