Point of Care

Point of care testing (POCT), also known as extra-laboratory testing or Near Patient Testing (NPT), refers to any analytical test performed for or by a patient outside the conventional laboratory setting.

The Point of Care Testing Team provides support for many POCT applications to North Bristol NHS Trust.

The service encompasses:

• Advice on the selection and procurement of POCT equipment.
• Maintenance and servicing of blood gas analysers across the Trust.
• Replacement and servicing of blood glucose/ketone meters.
• Supply of consumables for blood glucose meters including quality control solutions, batteries and user manuals.
• Supply of Pregnancy testing kits (via Pharmacy).
• Training in blood gas analysis, blood glucose analysis, capillary blood collection, urinalysis, haemoglobin testing and pregnancy testing.
• Training materials for urinalysis and pregnancy testing.
• External Quality Assurance schemes for blood glucose and some other POCT tests.
• Support for Haematology analysers situated in Out Patients departments and Operating Theatres.
• Covid-19 testing using Abbott ID Now devices.

Please also see the results of our latest POCT User Survey.

Updated 26/10/2021