[Role of the POC Coordinator in Japan]

Abstract

Point-of-care testing (POCT) is able to shorten the therapeutic turn around time (TTAT) because of its portability, proximity to the patient, and the use of rapid testing methodologies. These advantages are dependent on the quality of POCT procedures. It is recommended that all POCT instrumentation and operators conform to the hospital's POCT policy. There are two basic requirements necessary for high-quality POCT in a hospital setting. First is the proper management of all POCT instrumentation including reagents, and the second is training/competency assessment for all operators. This training should include the correct use of equipment, reagent requirements, and trouble-shooting any errors that might occur during testing. In many cases, POCT operators are not familiar with the importance of analytical quality management because of their lack of experience with laboratory techniques. However, users can improve their POCT ability and knowledge via the training/education program managed by the POCT department. The POC coordinator's role is to oversee that the proper procedure, based on the hospital's policy, is being followed. It is advised that the hospital form a POCT committee. The members should consist of at least: the Director of Laboratory Medicine, POC coordinator, a financial advisor, and several representative users from physicians and nursing staff. The POC coordinator will act as a representative of the POCT committee and work to maintain a quality program within the hospita/institution. In this article, we have summarized the role of the POC coordinator and the function of a POCT committee in a Japanese hospital.