White Papers on quality control in POCT

Patient testing at the point-of-care has increased dramatically in recent years, as technology makes it more convenient to test patient samples at the bedside, which produces rapid results and allows immediate action. However, the benefits of this are only true if the results are both accurate and reliable, making quality control vitally important in the POC setting, just as it is in the laboratory. A recent survey in Ontario (Canada) identified that POCT is the largest source of error when compared to other sources of laboratory testing errors. Furthermore, the most common phase for errors in POCT is in the analytical stage, whereas in laboratory-based testing this is the least common source of errors. This highlights how vital it is to have a robust QC procedure in place for POCT as the potential risk of harm to a patient appears to be far greater for POC tests compared to those performed in a laboratory. Randox is launching a series of White Papers focusing on the importance of quality control in point-of-care testing (POCT). The White Papers are free to download and will help laboratories define an appropriate QC procedure for all POCT devices. The first White Paper covers the fundamentals of developing a POCT QC strategy in line with ISO15189 requirements, looking at who is responsible for QC, what QC is appropriate for different types of POC devices and tips for choosing IQC material and an EQA scheme. The second White Paper, scheduled for December, studies the importance of using 100% human serum controls to avoid lot-to-lot variations in immunoassay testing. The papers can be downloaded from the Randox website using the url below.

http://tinyurl.com/lcj2ry8