Point-of-Care Testing (POCT): The Applications, Advantages, and Challenges (Online CE Course)

(based on 468 customer ratings)

Sheryl A. Whitlock, MA.Ed, MT(ASCP)BB
Reviewer: Cynthia Clawson, BSMT (ASCP), MBA, HCA

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Includes 180 CE courses, most popular
$109Add to cart
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Up to 8 CE hours
$55Add to cart
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Individual course$25Add to cart

Point of care testing (POCT) has been integrated into the healthcare system, creating a paradigm shift and offering faster results using portable, easy-to-use devices that can lead to improved patient outcomes. This course is intended to review the fundamentals of POCT, the advantages and disadvantages, and the applicable testing methodologies. In addition, the laboratory's role in POCT will be outlined to include the personnel, quality, and competency requirements for performing POCT.

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Objectives

  • Define point-of-care (POC) as it relates to test methods in the laboratory.
  • Outline personnel and competency requirements for performing POCT.
  • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of POCT.
  • Differentiate and explain test methods applicable to POCT.
  • Explain the laboratory's role in POCT.

Customer Ratings

(based on 468 customer ratings)

Course Outline

Click on the links below to preview selected pages from this course.
  • Definition of Point of Care Testing
      • Defining Point-of-Care Testing (POCT)
      • There are multiple contexts used to define POCT. Match each statement to the context/aspect of POCT it describes.
      • Crossing Boundaries in POCT
      • True or False: The small, portable testing methods used in POCT cannot be used to perform testing in the central laboratory.
  • Advantages and Disadvantages of Point of Care Testing
  • Testing Methodologies for Point of Care Testing
      • Summary of Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) Methods
      • Complexity of POCT
      • True or False: All POCT methods are classified as waived by CLIA.
      • POCT Methods
      • True or False: The point-of-care coordinator (POCC) is organizing a procedure manual for a satellite location. She must rewrite the package insert for...
  • The Laboratory's Role in Point of Care Testing (POCT)
      • Laboratory Staff Involvement with Point-of-Care Testing (POCT)
      • True or False: Testing staff working in point-of-care testing (POCT) locations in satellite clinics should have no direct communication with the main/...
      • Quality Assessment (QA) in Point-of-Care Testing (POCT)
      • True or False: Quality assessment (QA) and quality control (QC) testing are equivalent.
      • Competency Assessment in POCT
      • Mandatory Reporting of Test Results
      • When assessing the competency of POCT personnel that perform activated clotting time (ACT) testing, which assessment tool is appropriate to use when d...
      • The laboratory supervisor assists with the competency assessment of the ICU staff who perform testing on the point-of-care instrumentation. Before beg...
      • An employee completed initial training and competency assessment for moderately complex point-of-care testing (POCT) in the emergency department on Ma...
      • A physician's office recently added a benchtop analyzer utilizing test cartridges for molecular testing of COVID-19 and influenza. The office also per...
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of instruction: Basic

Intended Audience: Medical laboratory scientists, medical technologists, and technicians. This course is also appropriate for medical laboratory science students and pathology residents.

Author information: Sheryl A. Whitlock, MA. Ed, MT(ASCP)BB is the owner of ARK Laboratory Consulting, LLC, and works as a technical consultant for various laboratories. Sheryl served as the laboratory coordinator for the Student Health Services Laboratory at the University of Delaware for 15 years. Sheryl received her Master’s degree in Education from Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania. She has more than 35 years of experience in laboratory science, including management, education, and hands-on bench experience. She has written and published textbooks and laboratory manuals, as well as having contributed to numerous online and print articles in the field of laboratory medicine.

Reviewer information: Cynthia Clawson, BSMT(ASCP), MBA, HCA received her Masters degree from Wilmington College, in Wilmington Delaware and a Bachelor of Science degree in medical technology from Salisbury State University in Salisbury, Maryland. She began her career as a bench technologist at then Kent and Queen Anne’s Hospital in Chestertown, Maryland. Currently, she is a Clinical Specialist for Point of Care testing, Quality Assurance, and Regulatory Compliance at the same facility, now called University of Maryland Shore Regional Health at Chestertown.

Course description: Point-of-care testing (POCT) has been integrated into the healthcare system, creating a paradigm shift and offering faster results using portable, easy-to-use devices that can lead to improved patient outcomes. This course is intended to review the fundamentals of POCT, the advantages and disadvantages, and the applicable testing methodologies. In addition, the laboratory's role in POCT will be outlined to include the personnel, quality, and competency requirements for performing POCT.

How to Subscribe
MLS & MLT Comprehensive CE Package
Includes 180 CE courses, most popular
$109Add to cart
Pick Your Courses
Up to 8 CE hours
$55Add to cart
Phlebotomy CE Package$59Add to cart
Individual course$25Add to cart
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