Point of Care Testing

POCT Helpline – 01823 346747 (Weekdays 9am to 5.00pm)
Email: [email protected]

The POCT Team are part of Southwest Pathology Services.

Point of Care Testing (POCT) or Near Patient Testing (NPT) is defined as the performance of a diagnostic analysis on blood, urine, or other body fluid, outside a pathology laboratory. These tests are commonly performed by nursing or medical staff or by patients themselves. (Urine dipstick or blood glucose meters are examples).

The Trusts, working through the South West Pathology Service (SPS), requires that all those intending to practise POCT must seek the guidance from the laboratory in establishing, supporting and auditing this type of service in accordance with the MHRA Guidelines – Management and Use of IVD point of care devices – January 2021. Service requirements will include the use of quality monitoring schemes, the formulation of operating procedures, certification of staff, documentation, health and safety assessments and audits. 

The SPS POCT team are available to advise on the business plan, choice of technology, training, quality monitoring, maintenance and health & safety issues. The POCT team will help with the longer term training and quality monitoring issues subject to a service level agreement (SLA). 

External Quality Assurance

EQA Distribution Dates

Why do we need to analyse Quality Control (QC) samples??

• A quality control sample needs to be analysed by a member of staff to ensure that the results obtained from that meter are correct. It is imperative that this is done on a daily basis or before the first patient test.
• If a department has more than one meter then all meters should be checked.

Why do we need to analyse Quality Assurance (QA) samples??

• Quality Assurance samples need to be analysed by members of staff who use blood glucose/urinalysis meters at least once every 6 months to ensure an adequate level of competency. 

Reports will be sent to all locations and will identify locations with poor EQA performance or those with lack of compliance. Areas of poor performance may require refresher training.