Practical Guide to Global Point-of-Care Testing

Abstract

Point-of-care testing (POCT) refers to pathology testing performed in a clinical setting at the time of patient consultation, generating a rapid test result that enables informed and timely clinical action to be taken on patient care. It offers patients greater convenience and access to health services and helps to improve clinical outcomes. POCT also provides innovative solutions for the detection and management of chronic, acute and infectious diseases, in settings including family practices, Indigenous medical services, community health facilities, rural and remote areas and in developing countries, where health-care services are often geographically isolated from the nearest pathology laboratory. A Practical Guide to Global Point-of-Care Testing shows health professionals how to set up and manage POCT services under a quality-assured, sustainable, clinically and culturally effective framework, as well as understand the wide global scope and clinical applications of POCT. The book is divided into three major themes: the management of POCT services, a global perspective on the clinical use of POCT, and POCT for specific clinical settings. Chapters within each theme are written by experts and explore wide-ranging topics such as selecting and evaluating devices, POCT for diabetes, coagulation disorders, HIV, malaria and Ebola, and the use of POCT for disaster management and in extreme environments. Figures are included throughout to illustrate the concepts, principles and practice of POCT. Written for a broad range of practicing health professionals from the fields of medical science, health science, nursing, medicine, paramedic science, Indigenous health, public health, pharmacy, aged care and sports medicine, A Practical Guide to Global Point-of-Care Testing will also benefit university students studying these health-related disciplines.