Point-of-care testing (POCT) in medicine refers to point-of-care testing. This means that the sample is analyzed and a diagnosis is made immediately after collection. The goal is to provide rapid diagnostic results, enabling timely diagnosis, treatment, nursing care, and monitoring of the patient's condition.
Clinically, point-of-care testing is most commonly used to detect cardiac biomarkers. Acute cardiovascular diseases (such as acute myocardial infarction) are the leading cause of death from most cardiovascular diseases. Point-of-care testing of cardiac biomarkers in patients presenting with chest pain and related symptoms can quickly diagnose the patient's condition, maximizing the opportunity for timely treatment.
POCT can detect many cardiac biomarkers, such as troponin, myoglobin, creatine kinase isoenzyme, B-type natriuretic peptide, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.
While point-of-care testing is convenient, its detection range and accuracy may differ from traditional laboratory testing. If a point-of-care test indicates an abnormality, further detailed examination at a hospital may be necessary to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment of the health problem.
