Unit 6 Competency Framework
Define ‘point-of-care testing’?
A medical diagnostic testing performed outside the clinical laboratory in close
proximity to where the patient is receiving care. POCT is typically performed by nonlaboratory personnel and the results are used for clinical decision making
Describe the purpose of quality control in a point-of-care testing environment?
To ensure results given from the POCT device are as accurate as possible and
replicate those as closely as possible if that test had been run by the Laboratory
(correct, auditable storage)
Describe the possible causes of an erroneous quality control check?
Possible errors will include:
 human error which is why training is so important and will keep this at a
minimum.
 incorrect storage of sample, incorrect handling/pipetting & storage of test
strips may influence the result.
Explain what to do and who to contact if the results fall outside of the
expected parameters
 contact your POCT manufacturer.
 The external quality provider will contact your manufacturer and practices if
there are any known faults / problems.
TIP! refer to Core Competence: Effective communication Personal development
Explain the procedure to the client and confirm their understanding?
 Refer to unit 3: Obtain valid consent when carrying out NHS Health Check
assessments
Tip! refer to Core Competence: Effective communication
Match the point-of-care request against the tests planned, raising queries if
discrepancies occur. Your local NHS Health Check pathway will dictate which
test you are running and which you need to report on, You will require the ratio
to calculate the QRISK2 .
 CHOL
 HDL
 TC/HDL Ratio
Select and position the equipment, resources and systems for the point of
care procedure
Refer to Core Competence: Infection prevention and control
How to check the integrity and expiry date of test strips
Located on the side of the test strip pot/pack
MeMo chip also contains this and out of date strips will not work
How to check the calibration and routine quality control in accordance with the
manufacturer’s guidelines
 Daily Grey Check Strip run
 Monthly samples MUST be run and emailed back to the QA provider
 p.18 & 28 in the manufacturers User Guide
How to check external quality assurance results against expected performance
parameters
 These are done by the QA provider for you and emailed back so you can
keep a copy for your records.
Tip! Refer to Core Competence: Handling information
How to check that the specimen/sample is of suitable quality for testing in
accordance with policy and procedures
 Sample should be taken as per the manufacturers training session using the
correct pipette
 Correct finger stick protocol and handling of sample
Conduct the point-of-care testing in accordance with policy and procedures
 Use the Instrument as per training.
 For additional support refer to your manufacturer contact lead
Tip! Refer to Core Competence: Infection prevention and control Health and safety
How to record the point-of-care testing results in accordance with policy and
procedures?
 Input results onto PC
Tip! Refer to Unit 1: NHS Health Check programme, Learning Outcome 4
How to check the test results against accepted performance parameters
The IT system will pathway the patient’s results for you and flag up actions needed
Tip! Refer to Core Competence: Handling information
Describe the action to take when encountering limitations/sources of error
when performing point-of-care testing
 Refer to the manufactures User Guide for error help
Dispose of waste materials in accordance with policy and procedures &
Decontaminate equipment used in accordance with policy and procedures
 Use sharps bins/ yellow ( orange) bags as per Practice procedures
Tip! Also refer to Core Competence: Infection prevention and control