What is POCRIT in medical terms?

Understanding POCRIT in Medical Terms

POCRIT refers to Point-Of-Care Testing (POCT), which is clinical laboratory testing performed outside the central laboratory, closer to the patient, often at the bedside, typically conducted by clinical staff rather than laboratory-trained personnel. 1, 2

Key Features of POCRIT/POCT

• POCT provides rapid turnaround time of test results for immediate clinical decision making, allowing healthcare providers to make timely interventions 2, 3
• Testing is usually performed by clinical staff such as physicians or nurses who are not laboratory trained, which can present quality assurance challenges 2
• POCT is generally more expensive than central laboratory testing but offers advantages in specific clinical scenarios 3
• POCT requires significant support from laboratory services to ensure quality testing and meet accreditation requirements 3

Common Applications of POCRIT/POCT

• Blood Coagulation Monitoring: Point-of-care INR devices are used for monitoring patients on warfarin therapy, providing immediate results that allow for timely dose adjustments 1
• Blood Glucose Testing: Bedside glucose monitoring for diabetes management and glycemic control 3
• Creatinine and Urine Albumin Testing: For kidney function assessment, particularly in areas with limited laboratory access 1
• COVID-19 and Infectious Disease Testing: Rapid diagnostic testing at point of care for timely identification and management 1

Quality Assurance for POCRIT/POCT

• Device selection should follow strict criteria to ensure accuracy and reliability 2
• Initial device verification is required before implementation in clinical settings 2
• Ongoing device verification must be performed regularly to maintain accuracy 2
• Quality control (QC) procedures must be followed with each reagent and QC lot change 2
• Operator training and certification are essential for accurate test performance 3

Advantages of POCRIT/POCT

• Facilitates clinical pathways by providing immediate results 1
• Expands access to testing in areas with limited laboratory facilities 1
• Reduces turnaround time for critical test results 3
• May improve patient outcomes through faster clinical decision making 3

Limitations and Challenges

• Quality assurance is more difficult when testing is performed by non-laboratory personnel 3
• Documentation of POCT orders and results in electronic medical records can be challenging 3
• Connectivity between POCT instruments and electronic medical records requires careful implementation 3
• Higher cost per test compared to central laboratory testing 3

Recommendations for POCRIT/POCT Implementation

• Ensure the same preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical quality criteria are applied as would be in a central laboratory 1
• Implement external quality assessment programs to verify ongoing accuracy 1
• For creatinine testing, generate an estimate of GFR using equations consistent with regional standards 1
• For albuminuria testing devices, assess the ability to produce a positive result in 85% of people with significant albuminuria 1

Clinical Applications in Specific Settings

• In kidney disease management, POCT can facilitate CKD screening in rural areas with limited laboratory availability 1
• In anticoagulation therapy, POC INR devices simplify and improve oral anticoagulation management in children and adults 1
• In community settings such as pharmacies, POCT can expand access to screening for conditions like CKD 1