POC Testing: Biomarkers from Research to Clinic
Lakshmi V Ramanathan,
Service Chief/Clinical Chemistry Service,
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
The evolution of technologies in point of care testing has made the availability of laboratory tests immediately at the bedside, home or pharmacy a reality. This enables patients to be active partners in the management of their own health. They are part of their own medical team especially away from the clinic, in the privacy of their own homes.
Small sample size combined with technological innovation has contributed to the tremendous growth in this area of diagnostic testing. Managing tight glycemic protocols to diagnosis of infectious disease in a remote corner of the world has revolutionized health care with widespread impact.
Though the area of point of care testing is growing rapidly, the challenges these tests pose need to be addressed. In order to provide the most accurate result to the patient, special emphasis should be placed on quality control, confirmatory testing if required, and training of personnel performing the tests. Regulatory guidelines must be observed and there needs to be oversight on test performance. Specific examples will be discussed demonstrating the partnership between industry, the laboratories, point of care testing, and the clinical team in the ultimate care of the patient.
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