Point of Care Testing

These webpages provide an overview for health care professionals and the public on how Point of Care Testing services are implemented and managed within Wales.

Point of Care Testing (POCT) is defined as any diagnostic test undertaken by staff other than a laboratory healthcare scientist, which can include healthcare support workers, nurses, paramedics, pharmacists, podiatrists, dieticians, dentists and medical staff, including independent contractors and community-based pharmacists. 

This is usually carried out near the patient, and can be in the home, a clinic, in general practice, care home, high street pharmacy, screening venue, at the hospital, or during transit.