Patient Safety in Point of Care Testing - Patient Safety

Having patient results available immediately at the patients' bed side has led to obvious improvements in patient care. The introduction of automated blood gas analyzers saved many lives. Glucose measurements close to the patient originated in the field of the patient self control. Besides these two traditional application of POC tests many more are available on the market today their use stretching from ambulatory to highly complex sites such as intensive care units.

In POCT an impressive potential of improving patient care is combined with increased risks for patient safety. Thoroughly balanced decisions for the use of POCT are a key to patient safety in this field. Depending on the extent of use within an organization a POCT concept can aid to minimize risks for patient care. As the use of POCT expands experiences made can serve as guides for future use. POCT is closely related to laboratory medicine but follows completely different rules with a tremendous impact on patient safety. To create awareness for this fact is one aim of this book addressing all involved professions.

The reader will find a comprehensive overview of

• benefits of POCT and the potential risks for patient safety,

• perspectives of involved professions on POCT,

• POCT strategies for health care providers and

• Check lists of important aspects of patient safety in conducting POCT for both individual and institutional use.