Description:
This update will provide an overview of the infectious agents and testing platforms and available for "near patient testing” including influenza virus A and B, COVID-19, RSV and Streptococcus pyogenes. In addition, the next generation of agents that will be available for testing will be discussed. Specific examples from the COVID-19 pandemic and influenza outbreaks will be presented including the impact on clinical care, costs to the laboratory and patients, and staffing. The movement of testing for infectious agents at the point-of-care started several years ago but the pace is accelerating and the impact on the traditional field of microbiology is striking!
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss available platforms available for POCT testing for infectious agents.
- Explain the impact of this testing on clinical care costs to patients as we move to these techniques.
- Discuss some of the operational considerations associated with a move to more POCT microbiology.
Author(s):
Joel Mortensen, PhD, MLT(AMT), SM(ASCP), CLC(AMT)
Launched: 2021