Point-of-Care Testing Benefits

Point-of-care testing (POCT) refers to tests conducted in any setting where immediate treatment can be provided. This approach leads to improved outcomes both clinically and economically, as opposed to the lengthy process of laboratory testing. POCT was first introduced by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988. According to NIH.gov, POCT should have the following features:

• POCT should be simple to use.

• Reagents and consumables should be durable during storage and use.

• POCT results should align with established laboratory methods.

• POCT should ensure safety during testing.

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Additionally, POCT devices are categorized based on the test size, which can vary widely. Currently, scientists are working on developing miniature devices that are handheld and more affordable. Some of these devices can perform cardiac analysis, endocrine-related tests, and include glucometers and dipsticks. Microneedles and microfluidics are also examples of POCT technologies that provide “comfort, speed, and accuracy.”

Many companies researching POCT have shown interest in disease management, where diseases such as diabetes can be better managed using POCT devices like interactive insulin pumps. The benefits of POCT include the convenience of performing tests with results available within minutes instead of days. Physicians can use these devices in real-time during patient consultations, which is both comforting for the patient and more efficient. Smaller, handheld devices are being developed to reduce turnaround time (TAT). Studies have shown that using point-of-care tests for hemoglobin and lipids decreased follow-through by 89%. In recent years, healthcare has increasingly prioritized consumer needs, leading to a demand for suitable and user-friendly devices for screening, monitoring, and diagnosing. POCT is well-suited to this shift, and its market has grown by 9.3% from 2013 to 2018. The market is expected to continue rising, with projections indicating growth from $29.5 billion in 2020 to $50.6 billion by 2025 due to higher awareness of individual testing and home care equipment.

References:

Larkins MC, Thombare A. Point-of-Care Testing [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK592387/#:~:text=POCT%2C%20performed%20near%20patients%2C%20typically 

Point-of-Care Testing [Internet]. Testing.com. 2021. Available from: https://www.testing.com/articles/point-of-care-testing/ 

NeuroLogica. What is Point of Care Testing? [Internet]. www.neurologica.com. Available from: https://www.neurologica.com/blog/what-is-point-of-care-testing#:~:text=Thirty%20three%20years%20ago%2C%20the 

Point-of-care diagnostics is revolutionary [Internet]. www.biospectrumasia.com. Available from: https://www.biospectrumasia.com/analysis/47/6203/point-of-care-diagnostics-is-revolutionary.html 

Importance of 'Point-of-Care Testing (POCT)'​ [Internet]. www.linkedin.com. Available from: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/importance-point-of-care-testing-poct-dixit-janbandhu 

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