Point of Care Testing (POCT)

Droplet magnified icon

Point of Care Testing (POCT) or Near Patient Testing (NPT) is 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.

The Trusts, working through Southwest Pathology Service (SPS), requires that all those intending to practise POCT seek 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 POC team are available to advise on the business plan, choice of technology, training, quality monitoring, maintenance and health & safety issues. The team will also help with longer-term training and quality monitoring issues subject to a service level agreement (SLA).

Lab equipment

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 daily 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.

Useful documents

Training

eLearning is available via the SFT Leap system, please login and search for keywords Glucose (for Nova Statstrip Glucose/Ketones) or Creatinine (for Nov Statsensor Creatinine).

Glucose/Ketones

Internal Quality Control (IQC)

The POC Team will issue new IQC material for the Nova Statstrip Glucose and Ketone meters every 90 days. Once received please discard any current in use IQC to avoid confusion.

If in the meantime you require additional IQC material, then please contact the POC Team.

Please note:

Date of opening and initials must be recorded on all new IQC (Stable for 90 days)   

For any queries, please contact the POC Team by email pocteam@somersetft.nhs.uk or telephone 01823 346747.