Point-of-Care Testing

Implementing a Point of Care Testing (POCT) program in a community pharmacy can enhance patient care by providing immediate diagnostic results and facilitating timely interventions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up a POCT program in your community pharmacy.

1. Assess Needs and Set Objectives
   • Determine the health needs of your community. Common tests include flu, COVID-19, RSV, strep, blood glucose, and A1C.
   • Establish clear goals for your POCT program, such as improving disease management, increasing patient compliance, or enhancing preventative care.
2. Research and Select Tests
   • Based on community needs, select appropriate POCTs. Ensure they are reliable, validated, and relevant to the conditions most prevalent in your patient population.
   • Research suppliers and manufacturers for selection, quality, cost, and support. Consider ease of use, accuracy, and the need for calibration or maintenance. (IPC has multiple vendors able to assist with the purchase of tests available to IPC Members.)
     • CLIAwaived
     • SiteLabs
3. Acquire Equipment and Supplies
   • Obtain the necessary testing system which will include Point of Care Tests and analyzer. This may also include glucose meters and cholesterol analyzers.
   • Ensure you have the required consumables, such as test strips, control solutions, and reagents.
4. Ensure Regulatory Compliance
   • Check local regulations and obtain necessary licenses or certifications (CLIA Waiver) for performing POCT.
   • Maintain detailed records of all tests performed, including patient information, test results, and any follow-up actions.
5. Train Staff
   • Develop and implement a training program for pharmacy staff. This should cover workflow, the operation of testing devices, interpretation of results, and infection control practices.
   • Provide ongoing education to keep staff updated on new tests, technologies, and best practices.
6. Develop Procedures and Protocols
   • Create standard operating procedures (SOPs) for each type of test, including pre-test preparation, test administration, and result interpretation.
   • Establish protocols for regular calibration, maintenance, and quality assurance to ensure test accuracy and reliability of equipment.
7. Integrate with Patient Care
   • Offer patient counseling on test results, implications for their health, and necessary follow-up actions.
   • Set up a system for referring patients to other healthcare providers for further evaluation or treatment if needed.
8. Promote the Program
   • Promote your POCT services through community outreach, social media, and in-store advertising.
   • Inform patients about the benefits of POCT and how it can enhance their healthcare management.
9. Monitor and Evaluate
   • Track the performance of the POCT program using metrics such as patient satisfaction and overall program efficiency.
   • Collect feedback from patients and staff to identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to the program.
10. Maintain Financial and Operational Oversight
    • Monitor the costs associated with testing supplies, equipment, and staff time to ensure the program is financially sustainable.
    • Establish a process for billing patients or insurance providers if applicable and ensure compliance with billing practices.