Current status of POCT management in hospitals in the Czech Republic: findings from the POCT Forum 2026 workshop

Czech version

Authors: V. Kučerová; I. Pospíšilová; D. Friedecký
Authors‘ workplace: Oddělení klinické biochemie, Fakultní nemocnice Olomouc
Published in: Klin. Biochem. Metab., 34, 2026, No. 3, p. 1-4

Overview

Point-of-care testing (POCT) is an important component of modern laboratory medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current state of POCT management in hospital facilities based on the outputs of a moderated workshop held during the POCT Forum 2026 conference. The outputs are based on discussions among 53 active participants, mainly laboratory professionals, and focused on key aspects of POCT management, including organization, IT support, quality control, result validation, and user training. The results suggest that POCT is well established in the participating workplaces; however, its management remains organizationally, technically, and resource-intensive. The role of the POCT coordinator is crucial and requires broad professional, managerial, and communication skills.

Keywords:

management – POCT – hospital – quality – POCT coordinator

Sources

1. Česká společnost klinické biochemie ČLS JEP. Point-of-care testing (POCT): Doporučení ČSKB pro správné zavádění a používání POCT systémů ve zdravotnických zařízeních. Klin. Biochem. Metab., 2024, 32(4), 108-114. [odkaz]

2. Khan, A. I., Pratumvinit, B., Jacobs, E. et al. Point-of-care testing performed by healthcare professionals outside the hospital setting: consensus-based recommendations from the IFCC Committee on Point-of-Care Testing (IFCC C-POCT). Clin. Chem. Lab. Med., 2023, 61(9), 1572-1579. [odkaz]

3. International Organization for Standardization. ISO 15189 : 2022. Medical laboratories -⁠ Requirements for quality and competence. Geneva, Edition 4, 2022. [odkaz]

4. Zaninotto, M., Agnello, L., Dukic, L., et al. and EFLM Committee-Harmonization and Committee-Post-analytical Phase. Is it feasible for European laboratories to use SI units in reporting results? Clin. Chem. Lab. Med., 2025, 63(7), 1279-1285. [odkaz]

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Article was published in

Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolism

2026 Issue 3