Standards for point-of-care testing
PoCT Standard 3 - Implementation and performance
Indicators
PoCT3.1 A Our practice conducts testing in a safe environment that ensures patient privacy.
PoCT3.1 B Our practice ensures that instruments and consumables are located and managed to optimise performance.
Optimising the operation and maintenance of PoCT instruments and consumables is important in delivering high-quality test results that clinicians can use when making clinical decisions.
Ensuring that PoCT is conducted in a safe environment is important in reducing the risk of infection for patients and the practice team. Additionally, it is important that the PoCT environment is considerate of patient privacy when conducting PoCT.
When conducting PoCT, ensure the area has adequate space for instruments, consumables, documentation and waste disposal and does not compromise patient privacy.
Provided that patient privacy is maintained, the area does not need to be solely dedicated to performing PoCT. For example, a consultation or nurse’s room may be suitable.
The practice could have a procedure document or log that includes recording of consumables, lot numbers, expiry dates and monitoring. This may also include a risk matrix for documenting contingency plans in the event of unexpected events.
Criterion GP4.1 – Infection prevention and control, including sterilisation
Criterion GP5.1 – Practice facilities
Criterion C3.3 – Emergency response plan
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