Results of a survey among GP practices on how they manage patient safety aspects related to point-of-care testing in every day practice

Table 1 Overview of the key elements for managing patient safety aspects related to POCT investigated in this study

Key elements	Description
Training of users	protocol available as part of the quality system,
	users must be trained, certified
	periodical refresher courses
Pre-analytical phase	check control measures upon delivery of POC tests:
	-storage condition
	-packaging undamaged
	-expiry dates
	check control measures before using POC tests:
	-instruct the patient
	-read instructions for use or own written protocol
	-check storage condition
	-packaging undamaged
	-expiry dates
	-regular maintenance and calibration of POC test meters
Analytical phase	perform patient identification
	take the appropriate hygienic measures (e.g. washing hands )
	correct sample handling
Post-analytical phase	record test results
	take control measures and action in case device failure, such as:
	-refer a patient or sent the sample to a laboratory for testing
	-contact the manufacturer of the POC test
	-check the expiry date of the POC test
	-repeat the test with an other POC test
	-repeat the test with a new sample
	take control measures and a actions in case the test results conflict with symptoms, such as:
	-refer a patient or sent the sample to a laboratory for testing
	-repeat the test with an other POC test
	-repeat the test with a new sample
	-give life style advice
	prescribe medication

ISSN: 2731-4553