Developments in near-patient testing.

Important technologies for near-patient testing include 'desk-top' analysers, kits and systems for continuous monitoring, with the possibility of advances through approaches to genetic testing. Near-patient testing is now used in physicians' office, hospital ward, home care and population screening applications. Analytical performance achieved by operators in these settings may frequently cause concern and has led to increased support for accreditation and educational measures. While near-patient testing has much potential to contribute to health care, hard evidence of benefit is sparse, and the costs of such testing to health care systems may be substantial. The place of this technology still requires critical evaluation, in the context of system performance and relevance to health care.