A Total Solution for Point of Care Testing
POCT, sometimes known as Near Patient Testing, is an innovative form of testing of patient samples outside a conventional laboratory setting.  It provides faster delivery times - producing test results within minutes - this means a more flexible and efficient service.

We manage our POCT services within a framework for clinical governance and fully connected t our internal Laboratory Information system, which in turn can be interfaced with your Hospital or Patient Administration System.

Supporting the Healthcare professional
We have a proven track record with extensive experience in developing, implementing and operating models for delivery of POCT services which are able to:

• Improve access for the patient to laboratory services
• Improve patient flow in health care processes
• Improve report turnaround time to allow 'one stop shop'
• Increase efficiencies including medical and economic outcome within the health care process

Raising the Standard
Through a rolling programme of investment in cutting-edge technology and continuous staff training, we are committed to shortening the patient care pathway, while maintaining and, wherever possible, improving our high standards.  We provide a consultant-led service with a team of highly qualified scientific and support staff.  We operate within a clinical governance framework in accordance with the current UK guidelines for POCT and have applied for accreditation through CPA & UKAS for ISO 15189 and ISO 22870.

A Your Convenience
We focus on a selected range of analysers to provide a broad menu of tests within biochemistry, haematology and microbiology.   Our comprehensive test menu currently includes:

• Blood Gases & Electrolytes
• Urea & Electrolytes
• Creatinine
• Glucose
• HbA1c
• CRP
• Cardiac Markers
• Full blood count (inc 'absolute' neutrophil count)
• Haemoglobin
• PT/INR
• Urine analysis (dipstix)

A Total Solution
The effective delivery of our POCT service is built upon our complete service solution and offers 'end to end' connectivity with a transferable electronic diagnostics record. Our solution provides network and data security with 24 hour monitoring of all connections, capture of all test data, equipment and operator information, access by our support team from any point in world, and connection to our customer's electronic patient records if required.

We provide a helpdesk for all customer site users and manage all aspects of the service including; Result Management (inc review of all patient results); Analyser Management (inc Quality Control); Operator Management (training, education and competence assessment) and report a series of KPI's plus statistics.

We can supply customised POCT solutions to meet your clinical needs for all types of clients, including: GPs and GP practices; Pharmacists, Occupational Health Providers, Health and Wellness programmes, Primary Care Trusts (PCTs); NHS Hospitals; Treatment Centres and Independent Sector (private) hospitals and clinics.

Thinking Outside the Box
We are leaders in the field, offering a total solution for healthcare organisations.   Our fully integrated, customized, "plug and play" solutions enable rapid implementation of services at almost any location.

The 24/7 availability of POCT provides opportunities for improved access, and thus options to simplify acute care, chronic disease management and screening. It can reduce your overall cost for a healthcare episode, reduce the use of staff and equipment and provide greater value for money.  It improves report turn around time to allow a 'one stop shop' reducing the number of clinical visits for patients. Emergency results are available within minutes allowing for improved clinical decision making and potentially a reduction in the number of patients admitted to hospital.  Treatment can start earlier and the care pathway is convenient for doctors, staff and patients.

A Healthy Balance
At 'iPOCT' we seek to maintain a healthy balance between adhering to consistently excellent clinical standards, continually improving the patient care pathway, and offering the client a flexible service which represents value for money.  Using our services can enable you to drive savings across the patient care pathway. 

For further information on Point of Care Testing,
please click on the following links:

Medical Devices Agency Management and Use of IVD Point of Care Test Devices (June 2002)

Institute of Biomedical Science Point of Care Testing, Guidance on the Involvement of the Clinical Laboratory

British Committee for Standards in Haematology Guidelines on Point of Care Testing GH/016
http://www.bcshguidelines.com/publishedHO.asp?tf=General%20Haematology#166

BMJ Clinical Review - Point of Care Testing 2001

POCT info - Point of Care Testing information on line

Report of the Review of NHS Pathology Services in England, chaired by Lord Carter of Coles 2006 (The Carter Report)

Our NHS our Future - NHS Next Stage Review Interim Report DoH
October 2007