CLSI POCT7 A : 1ED 2010

Provides the core infrastructure for a standardized error tracking system with the primary goals of reducing risk and increasing quality of point-of-care testing, while accumulating standardized data for benchmarking use.

This document provides a basic framework or infrastructure for a standardized risk management system.Error indicators for each analytical phase are suggested for incorporation into a quality managementprogram. This guideline serves as a complementary tool to laboratory quality management procedures.This guideline is intended for use by laboratory directors, managers, supervisors, quality managers, pointof-care coordinators (POCCs), and other testing personnel responsible for implementing the policies,processes, procedures, activities, and records that support the quality management activities describedherein. Although it is understood that point-of-care testing (POCT) is performed in a variety of settings,the structure and contents of this document focus more on hospital-based programs. The information in this document can be applied to all POCT instruments and kits. However, some parameters may be relevant only to POCT in hospital or large institutional settings.The goal of this guideline is to improve the performance of POCT by developing different indicators that are applicable to all aspects of preexamination, examination, and postexamination phases of the testing.This document highlights the critical components of a POCT quality management program, as well as defines the critical role that central laboratories should play in the coordination of POCT quality activities.