Point-of-Care testing
What does POC stand for?
Point-of-care testing.
What is a specimen?
A sample of body material collected for testing.
Chemicals found in blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, joint fluid, lipid profiles (such as triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL) and fasting glucose.
Chemistry
What protective equipment helps prevent exposure to bodily fluids?
Gloves and other appropriate PPE.
Why is timing important when performing certain laboratory tests?
Because incorrect timing can affect test accuracy.
Where is point-of-care testing usually performed?
Near or at the patient's location.
What should you do before collecting a specimen?
Identify the patient and explain the procedure.
The physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine
Urinalysis
What should you do with a used lancet?
Dispose of it immediately in an approved sharps container.
What is the purpose of a control sample?
To verify that the testing system is working properly.
Why is quality control important in POC testing?
To ensure test results are accurate and reliable.
Why must specimen labels be accurate?
To prevent patient identification errors and ensure correct results.
Blood cell counts that determine RBCs, WBCs, and platelets of a blood specimen.
Hematology
What is the most important practice for preventing the spread of infection during specimen collection?
Hand hygiene.
What is the purpose of CLIA?
To establish quality standards for laboratory testing?
What does CLIA stand for?
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments.
What is the purpose of using the correct specimen container?
To preserve the specimen and ensure accurate testing.
Studying bacteria, fungi, parasites, yeasts, and viruses; Specimens can include urine, blood, sputum, cerebrospinal fluid, stool, and wound material
Microbiology
What is the purpose of Standard Precautions?
To protect healthcare workers and patients from potential exposure to infectious materials.
Why must MAs follow the manufacturer's test instructions?
To ensure testing is performed correctly and results are reliable.
Name one common point-of-testing care test.
Blood glucose meter.
What should you do if a specimen is unlabeled?
Follow policy, do not assume the specimen's identity or process it improperly.
Microscope examination of cells for diagnostic purposes
Cytology
You accidentally get blood on your skin while collecting a specimen. What steps should you take?
Wash area immediately, report exposure, follow exposure control protocol.
Quality control checks testing processes and materials; quality assurance is the broader system that ensures overall quality.