Setting Up a Point-of-Care Testing Service in a Greenfield, Quaternary Hospital: An Implementation Review

Abstract

Context.—The health care industry is growing rapidly and is continually seeking more-innovative ways to deliver patient care. The growing demands of clinicians seeking faster and more-efficient ways of providing care to their patients presents challenges to clinical laboratory services. Point-of-care testing (POCT) is frequently seen as a viable solution to address this dilemma. The role of POCT is widely established and accepted in many circumstances provided certain criteria are met.Objectives.—To discuss the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi experience—the challenges faced and the solutions found—during the process of establishing a POCT service in a greenfield hospital, and to share this experience to support health care professionals wishing to establish or expand POCT services.Data Source.—First-hand expert opinion relating to setting up a POCT service, which was guided and informed by national and international standards and regulatory bodies, provide the basis for this review.Conclusions.—Point-of-care testing is a fast growing and unique discipline of pathology. The establishment of a new POCT service creates distinctive and unique challenges compared with traditional laboratory services. The difficulties experienced are compounded in a greenfield hospital but the process of multidisciplinary collaboration and information exchange among peer groups allows the efficient development of a highly effective POCT department.