Point of Care Testing Flashcards
8 cards from real Phlebotomy Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 8 Point of Care Testing flashcards as text
Which CLIA waiver requirement must a phlebotomist follow even for the simplest POCT devices?
Answer: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU)
Even waived tests require following the manufacturer's instructions exactly; this is the primary CLIA requirement for waived testing.
A POCT INR result of 5.8 is obtained on a patient taking warfarin. This result is considered:
Answer: A critical value requiring immediate provider notification
An INR of 5.8 is dangerously elevated and represents a critical value; the patient is at high risk for serious bleeding and requires immediate clinical intervention.
For POCT testing, liquid quality control should be run:
Answer: Per manufacturer guidelines and facility policy, typically each shift or each day of use
QC frequency for POCT must follow manufacturer guidelines and facility policy; most devices require QC each shift, each day of testing, or each new reagent lot.
Which analyte is measured by a POCT i-STAT device using a creatinine cartridge?
Answer: Serum creatinine for kidney function assessment
The i-STAT creatinine cartridge measures blood (serum) creatinine, a key marker of kidney function, allowing rapid bedside assessment.
A phlebotomist performing POCT notices that the QC result is within range but the patient's glucose result seems inconsistent with their clinical presentation (the patient appears diaphoretic and confused but the meter reads 120 mg/dL). The BEST action is to:
Answer: Repeat the test or collect a venous sample for lab glucose
When a POCT result conflicts with clinical presentation, the result should be repeated or confirmed with a laboratory venous glucose, as meters have known sources of error.
On a POCT urine dipstick, which pad detects the presence of blood in the urine?
Answer: Hemoglobin/occult blood
The hemoglobin/occult blood pad detects both intact red blood cells and free hemoglobin in urine through a peroxidase-like reaction.
Which of the following describes the concept of 'turnaround time' (TAT) in POCT quality assurance?
Answer: Time from specimen collection to result reporting
Turnaround time (TAT) is the interval from specimen collection (or test ordering) to result availability, and monitoring it is a key QA metric in POCT programs.
What is the primary advantage of performing POCT over traditional central laboratory testing?
Answer: Faster result turnaround enabling quicker clinical decisions
The primary advantage of POCT is rapid turnaround time, allowing clinicians to make faster treatment decisions at the bedside without waiting for central lab results.