CONGRESS 2023 - Expanding your role into Point-of-Care Testing – a career opportunity to consider

Over the past 10-15 years the profile of point of care testing has been on the rise. More recently in response to the pandemic through the regular use of lateral flow tests by the public, coupled with the need to create under intense pressure, streamlined patient pathways using Point of Care testing (POCT) devices. This has further brought POCT into the limelight, as a result, there has been a marked increase in interest and use of near patient testing in hospital, acute and community settings. Flexible and innovative, POCT is now recognised at the same level as traditional laboratory medicine, evidenced by its recent inclusion in the 15189:2022 laboratory accreditation standards.

Whilst both professional and industry profile of POCT is booming, interest in POCT amongst laboratory support staff as a potential future career choice remains a hidden gem. The aim of the presentation is to change that!

Providing a personal, unabridged insight into the world of POCT the presentation will explore the scope of work in a POCT service; address the common perception of POCT vs. the reality; highlight the different skill sets that are both supported and developed, and finally look at opportunities available for laboratory support staff in POCT. 

Listeners will gain, at the very least, knowledge of the choices available to them and at best ignite interest in this truly dynamic field of laboratory medicine.