Point-of-care testing (POCT) refers to medical diagnostic testing performed near the patient, outside the conventional laboratory setting. It offers rapid results, enabling swift clinical decisions. POCT devices range from simple, handheld tools to complex analyzers. Common applications include glucose monitoring, pregnancy testing, and infectious disease detection. POCT enhances patient care by facilitating timely interventions, particularly in remote or resource-limited settings. However, quality assurance and regulatory compliance remain crucial for its effective integration into healthcare practice.
