Point-of-Care Testing Flashcards

A phlebotomist performs a POCT glucose test and obtains a critically high result of 520 mg/dL. What is the immediate next step?

Answer: Notify the nurse or physician immediately per critical value protocol

Critical POCT values must be immediately reported to the responsible clinician according to the facility's critical value notification protocol.

Which of the following is a recognized limitation of POCT compared to central laboratory testing?

Answer: POCT devices generally have less precision than laboratory analyzers

POCT devices, while convenient and fast, typically have less analytical precision and a narrower reportable range than full laboratory analyzers.

What is the proper disposal method for used POCT lancets after a fingerstick glucose test?

Answer: Place directly into a puncture-resistant sharps container

Used lancets are sharps and must be discarded immediately and uncapped into a puncture-resistant sharps container to prevent needlestick injuries.

A POCT hemoglobin result is 7.2 g/dL. How should this result be communicated?

Answer: Reported immediately to the nurse or physician as a critical value

A hemoglobin of 7.2 g/dL is below critical threshold and must be immediately communicated to the responsible clinician per critical value policy.

Which POCT test is commonly used at the bedside to aid in the rapid diagnosis of myocardial infarction (heart attack)?

Answer: Cardiac troponin testing

Cardiac troponin (troponin I or T) POCT is a highly sensitive and specific biomarker used to rapidly diagnose myocardial infarction at the bedside.

How often should POCT liquid quality controls typically be run in a clinical setting?

Answer: At least once per 24 hours of use or per manufacturer recommendations

QC must be performed at least every 24 hours of use, when reagent lots change, or per manufacturer specifications to ensure ongoing device reliability.

Which of the following best describes the chain of custody as it applies to POCT?

Answer: The documentation trail ensuring patient specimens and results are traceable to the correct patient

Chain of custody in POCT refers to the documented accountability trail linking the specimen and result to the correct patient throughout the testing process.