Knowra Point-of-care testing Point-of-care testing Point-of-care testing is diagnostic testing performed near a patient rather than in a central laboratory, often producing results quickly enough to inform immediate care.
Lateral flow assay : A membrane-based assay that moves a liquid sample by capillary action and displays a visible result. Many bedside tests use this format to detect a target without laboratory equipment.
Rapid diagnostic test : A diagnostic test designed to produce a result within a short time, often without complex laboratory infrastructure. Point-of-care testing commonly uses rapid formats when treatment decisions cannot wait.
Central laboratory : A facility that performs diagnostic analyses on specimens collected from patients and transported for testing. Centralized testing can offer broad menus and controlled workflows, but usually adds transport and turnaround time.
External quality assessment : A process in which laboratories compare their testing performance with an external reference or peer group. Distributed testing sites need independent checks that results remain comparable and accurate.
Blood glucose monitoring : Measurement of glucose concentration in blood, commonly using a handheld meter and a small sample. It is a familiar example of rapid testing that guides immediate treatment.
Point-of-care ultrasound : Ultrasound examination performed and interpreted by a treating clinician at or near the patient's bedside. It extends point-of-care diagnosis from sampled analytes to immediate imaging.
Laboratory automation : The use of instruments and software to automate specimen handling, analysis, and reporting in laboratories. Automation supports high-volume central testing, unlike the distributed workflow of bedside tests.
Quality control : Procedures used to monitor whether an analytical process performs within defined limits. Routine controls help detect failures in devices, reagents, or operator technique at the point of care.
Clinical chemistry analyzer : An instrument that measures chemical substances in biological samples using optical, electrochemical, or other methods. Small analyzers bring selected laboratory-style measurements closer to the patient.
Emergency medicine : The medical specialty concerned with evaluating and treating urgent and life-threatening conditions. Rapid bedside results can shape triage and treatment during time-critical emergencies.
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