Point-of-care testing

An ethical discussion for GCSE students on point-of-care testing (POCT) – a medical test performed by a member of a healthcare team on a patient outside a hospital laboratory.

Description

Explore the issues surrounding POCT compared with testing in a hospital lab. Who should ensure tests performed outside labs are at an appropriate standard? What is the impact on the patient if you get the right or wrong result? How would you feel about taking responsibility for your own test results?

Target audience 

GCSE students.

Type of activity 

Discussion.

Pathology link 

This activity focuses on histopathology, clinical biochemistry, haematology and microbiology.

The activity guidance notes contains curriculum links as well as information on how to deliver the session.