NCCT Point-of-Care Testing 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary definition of point-of-care testing (POCT)?
- Testing performed in a central laboratory using automated analyzers
- Diagnostic testing performed near or at the site of patient care (Correct answer)
- Testing conducted exclusively by licensed laboratory technologists
- Blood culture collection performed at the patient's bedside
Correct answer: Diagnostic testing performed near or at the site of patient care
POCT is diagnostic testing performed at or near the location of the patient, enabling rapid results without sending specimens to a central laboratory.
Question 2: Which of the following is the most common POCT device used to measure capillary blood glucose?
- Coagulation analyzer
- Glucometer (Correct answer)
- Hemoglobin analyzer
- Urinalysis dipstick reader
Correct answer: Glucometer
A glucometer (glucose meter) is the most widely used POCT device and measures blood glucose from a small capillary blood sample.
Question 3: What is the primary advantage of POCT over central laboratory testing?
- Lower cost per test
- Faster turnaround time for results (Correct answer)
- Greater accuracy and precision
- Larger sample volume requirements
Correct answer: Faster turnaround time for results
The main advantage of POCT is a significantly faster turnaround time, allowing clinicians to make immediate treatment decisions at the patient's bedside.
Question 4: Which quality control measure is mandatory before performing POCT on a patient sample?
- Running both high and low control solutions on the POCT device (Correct answer)
- Calibrating the device using only distilled water
- Checking the device serial number against manufacturer records
- Performing a patient sample duplicate run
Correct answer: Running both high and low control solutions on the POCT device
Running both high and low control solutions verifies that the POCT device is performing within acceptable ranges before patient testing.
Question 5: When performing a POCT glucose test using capillary blood, which finger site is preferred?
- Thumb or index finger
- Ring or middle finger of the non-dominant hand (Correct answer)
- Little finger of either hand
- Index finger of the dominant hand
Correct answer: Ring or middle finger of the non-dominant hand
The ring or middle finger of the non-dominant hand is preferred because it is less calloused and the patient relies less on it for daily activities.
Question 6: Which regulatory body requires that POCT facilities comply with CLIA standards?
- The Joint Commission (TJC)
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) (Correct answer)
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Correct answer: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
CMS enforces CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) regulations, which apply to all laboratories including POCT sites.
Question 7: Which of the following tests is NOT typically classified as a POCT test?
- Blood glucose monitoring
- Urine pregnancy testing
- Prothrombin time (INR)
- Complete blood count (CBC) by automated differential (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Complete blood count (CBC) by automated differential
A full CBC with automated differential requires complex hematology analyzers found in central laboratories and is not performed as standard POCT.
NCCT Point-of-Care Testing 1
What is the primary definition of point-of-care testing (POCT)?