Small miracles: point-of-care testing.

Point-of-care testing (POCT), also called "near patient," "bedside," or "extra-laboratory testing," means any laboratory test performed in patient-care areas or patients' homes, usually by clinical staff who are not trained in clinical laboratory sciences, or by patients themselves. POCT devices may be as different as a hand-held, single-use device or a bench-top analyzer. The growth of POCT has had considerable impact on health care, but cannot replace clinical judgment. The Food and Drug Administration reviews and approves most POCT devices, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services makes coverage determinations on their usage. POCT is best used when a clinician is prepared to act on test results immediately.