1.

DEFINITIONS:
1.1. Point-of Care Testing (POCT) refers to that analytical patient testing activities
provided within the hospital, but performed outside the physical facilities of the
clinical laboratories.
1.2. When correctly applied, point-of-care testing may be a convenient and rapid
way of obtaining immediate results on patients. However, there have been many
reports of serious adverse effects on patient management when POCT is used
incorrectly. As a result, POCT has become a clinical governance issue and the
availability of policies has become part of the accreditation process.
1.3. POCT requires a quality system and trained operators to ensure a good
standard of performance.
2.PURPOSE:
2.1. To define the procedures applied in MCH Tabuk to carry out Point Of Care
Testing.

2.2. To define persons involved in Point Of Care Testing Program Procedure and
their accountability and responsibility to maintain testing Quality Assurance.

3. POLICY:
1.3. Laboratory tests should be performed in the laboratory whenever possible.
The use of POCT should be limited to situations where it provides a clear
advantage in patient management, and it is supported by appropriate
technology, trained staff and sufficient quality assurance (QA) measures.
POCT should not be used to replace routine non-urgent tests, and all POCT
programs must not fall below the quality system standards of the laboratory.