Abstract:
The method we respond to pandemics is still inadequate
for dealing with the point of care testing (POCT)
requirements of the next large epidemic. The proposed
framework highlights the importance of having
defined policies and procedures in place for non-integrated
POCT to protect patient safety. In the absence
of a pathology laboratory, this paradigm may help in
the supply of diagnostic services to low-resource centers.
A review of the literature was used to construct
this POCT framework for non-integrated and/or unconnected
devices. It also sought professional advice
from the Chemical Pathology faculty, quality assurance
laboratory experts and international POCT experts
from the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry
and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC). Our concept presents
a comprehensive integrated and networked approach
to POCT with direct and indirect clinical laboratory supervision, particularly for outpatient and inpatient
care in low-resource health care settings.
