A Question of Quality
To celebrate International Pathology Day 2019, we gathered a panel of experts to discuss the latest in point-of-care testing.
sponsored by Royal College of Pathologists
Based on its media coverage, point-of-care testing (POCT) seems on the verge of an explosion. But, in many locations around the world, there are no standards or guidelines for such testing – and some have no quality assurance programs for POCT at all. Does this lack of checks and balances spell doom for POCT? How can we improve the situation so that point-of-care tests operate under the same quality framework as any other test?
POCT often offers a simpler, more accessible, or more cost-effective alternative to laboratory testing. However, many POCT have not been subject to the rigorous quality control/quality assurance that laboratory tests undergo. Because these tests are increasingly used and distributed internationally, including to locations that may lack other testing options, it’s vital to ensure that they are of the same quality as any other test.
Moderated by The Royal College of Pathologists’ President, Jo Martin, this panel discussion brings together experts from across the world to unpick the question of quality with POCT. Hear from Charles van Heyningen, Lieutenant Colonel Emma Huntley, Tahir Pillay, and Wade Atoyebi to learn:
- What point-of-care tests are and why they are on the rise.
- Where quality control/quality assurance is lacking for POCT, especially internationally.
- How POCT quality can be brought in line with laboratory testing.
