POCT
Medical abbreviation · Laboratory Test
| Stands for | Point-of-care testing |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
POCT stands for Point-of-care testing, a laboratory test abbreviation.
Laboratory tests performed at or near the patient rather than in a central lab, such as fingerstick glucose, urine dipsticks, pregnancy tests, INR meters, rapid strep and COVID-19 tests, HbA1c analyzers and handheld blood gas cartridges. Results arrive in minutes, speeding decisions in emergency departments, clinics and pharmacies.
Example: POCT glucose 42 at triage; D50 given before the IV was even taped down.
Usage notes
Also shortened to POC. Most POCT devices are CLIA-waived, but sites must still run quality control, train and document staff competency and keep records. Results can differ from central lab values, so hospital policies specify when a POCT result needs laboratory confirmation, such as glucose meter readings in shock.
Related abbreviations
More laboratory test abbreviations
- PaO2 – Partial pressure of arterial oxygen
- PBS – Peripheral blood smear
- PCR – Polymerase chain reaction
- PCT – Procalcitonin
- Phos – Phosphorus (serum phosphate)
- Plt – Platelet count
- PSA – Prostate-specific antigen
- PT – Prothrombin time
- PT/INR – Prothrombin time with international normalized ratio
- PTT – Partial thromboplastin time
- QNS – Quantity not sufficient
- RADT – Rapid antigen detection test
See all 135 laboratory test abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.