Point-of-care (POC) testing happens at or near the patient’s location, so they see a faster turnaround time. This can significantly impact the person’s outcome because the doctors learn about what’s wrong and can find appropriate medical treatments to assist.
Ultimately, POC testing offers faster access to results, which often speeds up the diagnostics and treatment solutions. Utilising it in a pharmacy, urgent care facility, or emergency room could also reduce the need for expensive imaging tests and unnecessary hospital admissions.
In High Demand
The demand for POC testing continues to grow in the healthcare systems of the world. It offers value-based care and a real-time response. Plus, it allows patients to be more engaged in their diagnostics and treatment plans, leading to more satisfaction and better results overall.
Though POC testing requires appropriate technology and devices to work, the machines are becoming more affordable and reliable. Many hospitals, doctor’s offices, and urgent care facilities are adopting the use of these systems.
Testing Options Available
Most people don’t realise that POC testing has been around for many decades. The earliest options included pregnancy and blood-sugar monitoring tests. However, there are now many other point-of-care products, such as:
- Fertility tests (Canada only)
- Drug abuse tests (Canada only)
- Infectious disease tests
- HIV tests
- H. pylori antigen (stomach bacteria) tests (European countries only)
- Heart failure tests (European countries only)
- Syphilis tests
Private-practice doctors can choose the POC products they need or want most. Many of them focus on drug abuse, fertility, HIV, and infectious disease tests. Still, newer options are becoming readily available all the time.
Trinity Biotech is a leading manufacturer of POC testing products. The brand has more than 20 years of experience developing high-quality point-of-care devices. It is the diagnostic partner of choice for hospitals, private practices, and urgent care facilities worldwide. Learn more about this company and its options today.