Point-of-Care Testing in an Acute Tertiary Care Hospital in Singapore: Planning for the Future After 10 Years of Implementation

Abstract

Abstract Point-of-care testing (POCT) in our tertiary care hospital is embedded in the daily clinical processes. In 2005, the central laboratory was tasked with POCT oversight to align compliance to hospital accreditation standards. With 10 years that has since ensued, the hospital signalled a fresh relook at the agenda to ensure needs in the next lap of the hospital's reorganization are met. A multidisciplinary POCT committee was formed, and it implemented an executive framework and updated processes for current and new point-of-care (POC) tests/devices. A central repository of standardized operating procedures and quality control and training documents was put in place, and in-house quality assurance tests for POC glucose and blood gases organized by the hospital's central laboratory were scheduled to be replaced with subscription to external quality assurance programs. The revised POCT policy was shared with all stakeholders, the physicians and nurses, to facilitate a smooth transition. A shared vision to further enhance governance and institutionalize POC activities remains a key priority.