Point-of-care testing is defined as diagnostic testing conducted away from centralized laboratory facilities, with a broad range of uses for both screening and diagnosis. Frequently utilized tests in this category include blood glucose monitors, home pregnancy tests, and tools for identifying infectious diseases.
The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant rise in the adoption of COVID-19 diagnostic tests capable of delivering fast and accurate results either at the point of care or in close proximity. This surge in usage has also heightened awareness regarding the potential applications of these tests across various medical disciplines.
The development and widespread integration of point-of-care testing hold promise for reducing the burden on central labs, offering timely insights for treatment choices, and enhancing public health initiatives aimed at disease management and monitoring. Point-of-care tests, many of which do not require specialized training, can be administered across diverse settings, including primary and urgent care facilities, as well as by individuals in non-medical environments and at home.
This versatility not only enhances convenience for users but also offers potential financial benefits for healthcare systems, as point-of-care tests are generally more cost-effective than their laboratory-based counterparts.
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