The role of pharmacists and pharmacy education in point-of-care testing

Abstract

Point-of-care testing (POCT) is defined as laboratory testing conducted close to the site of patient care. Although performed originally primarily by clinical staff for acute conditions, recent advances in technology have made such testing possible for disease screening and prevention across a wide range of conditions in virtually any setting, and often by individuals with little or no training. With the ongoing evolution in POCT, numerous concerns have arisen about the quality and accuracy of the tests, comparability between multiple tests for the same endpoint, interpretation of test results, and whether and how results should be used for therapeutic decisions and included in a patient’s medical record. The pharmacist is well-positioned to manage and interpret POCT performed outside of the usual clinical settings. However, educational and regulatory changes are needed to enable pharmacists to take on this emerging activity effectively.