Point of Care Testing
Point of Care Testing (POCT) refers to medical testing that happens right where the patient is, like in a doctor's office, emergency room, or bedside, instead of sending samples to a central laboratory. It's like having a mini-lab that gives quick results, usually within minutes. Common examples include blood glucose meters for diabetes, rapid COVID-19 tests, or pregnancy tests. Healthcare facilities value this approach because it helps make faster medical decisions and improves patient care. You might also see it called "rapid testing," "bedside testing," or "near-patient testing."
Examples in Resumes
Managed implementation of Point of Care Testing programs across 5 clinical sites
Trained staff on POCT devices and quality control procedures
Developed protocols for Point-of-Care Testing and compliance monitoring
Coordinated Point of Care testing programs during COVID-19 response
Typical job title: "Point of Care Testing Coordinators"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Point of Care Testing Coordinators
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you implement a new Point of Care Testing program across multiple facilities?
Expected Answer: Should discuss project management skills, regulatory compliance, staff training programs, quality control measures, and experience coordinating with various departments and stakeholders.
Q: How do you ensure quality control in POCT programs?
Expected Answer: Should explain quality management systems, documentation procedures, staff competency assessment, and how to maintain regulatory compliance while managing multiple testing locations.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What experience do you have with POCT device validation?
Expected Answer: Should describe experience with testing equipment, maintaining accuracy, troubleshooting common issues, and ensuring proper documentation of results.
Q: How do you train staff on new POCT procedures?
Expected Answer: Should discuss training methods, competency assessment, documentation of training, and ongoing monitoring of staff performance.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic quality control procedures in POCT?
Expected Answer: Should understand daily quality checks, documentation requirements, and basic troubleshooting of testing devices.
Q: What safety measures are important when performing point of care tests?
Expected Answer: Should know basic safety protocols, proper handling of samples, personal protective equipment requirements, and waste disposal procedures.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic testing procedures
- Quality control documentation
- Safety protocols
- Device maintenance
Mid (2-5 years)
- Staff training
- Equipment validation
- Regulatory compliance
- Problem solving
Senior (5+ years)
- Program management
- Quality system oversight
- Regulatory compliance management
- Multi-site coordination
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic laboratory safety procedures
- Lack of understanding of quality control importance
- No experience with regulatory compliance
- Poor documentation practices
- Inability to train others on procedures
Related Terms
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