Point-of-Care Testing (POCT)

A laboratory technician reported obtaining POCT results in 13 to 15 minutes. POCT required fewer inputs and simpler calibration than conventional diagnostics, giving it an operational advantage in resource-constrained settings. POCT devices generally have simpler calibration requirements than conventional equipment and may be factory calibrated. Even when POCT delivered same-day results, high demand and limited physician availability often prevented same-day medical follow-up in urban sites. POCT sample throughput was limited, with one concern specifically about processing only four samples during high patient flow. POCT devices were placed in laboratories at intervention facilities, with laboratory technicians volunteering to operate them. Physicians valued POCT for supporting continuous reassessment in emergency contexts due to its accessibility and speed.