Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) Overview

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and definitions related to Point-of-Care Testing (POCT), applicable for exam preparation.

Point-of-Care Testing (POCT)

Medical testing performed near the patient, rather than in a centralized laboratory.

CLIA

Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments; regulations ensuring the accuracy and reliability of laboratory testing.

Turnaround Time (TAT)

The time taken from the administration of a test to the provision of results.

Automation

The use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention in laboratory testing.

Hemoglobin A1C

A test that measures the average blood glucose levels over the past three months.

Capillary collection

A method of obtaining blood from a small puncture, often used in POCT.

Waived testing

Tests cleared by the FDA for home use or those carrying negligible risk of erroneous results.

Quality Control (QC)

Procedures to ensure accuracy and reliability of laboratory test results.

Bilirubin

A substance produced from the breakdown of red blood cells; high levels can indicate jaundice.

SARS-CoV-2

The virus responsible for COVID-19, diagnosed using RT-PCR tests in POCT.