Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) — Decentralizing the Diagnostic Laboratory
The decentralization of healthcare is driven by Point-of-Care Testing (POCT), which brings the laboratory to the patient’s bedside, the pharmacy, or even the home. The goal of POCT is to provide a "rapid turnaround time" (TAT), allowing for immediate clinical decisions. In 2026, POCT devices range from simple Lateral Flow Assays (like home pregnancy or COVID-19 tests) to sophisticated handheld molecular analyzers.
A critical advancement in POCT is the integration of Connectivity. Modern handheld devices are linked via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to the hospital’s central server. This ensures that a glucose reading taken by a nurse in a remote clinic is immediately visible to the treating physician in the main hospital. However, the document notes that while POCT offers speed, it requires rigorous Quality Control (QC) to ensure that results match the accuracy of the central laboratory.
