Review

Abstract

Point-of-care testing (POCT) is a subfield of in vitro diagnostics (IVD), where portable analytical instruments and supporting reagents are used to obtain test results quickly at the sampling site. POCT is a dynamically developing category of testing methods. Its core goal is to meet the diagnostic requirements to realize clinical treatment or home monitoring, with rapid and reliable diagnostic results. POCT is defined by the National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry (NACB) as “Clinical laboratory testing performed in close proximity to a patient’s treatment by clinical personnel or patients (self-monitoring, testing) not trained in clinical laboratory science.” In other words, POCT refers to all tests performed outside the traditional, core laboratory.