New to POCT

Hi, Kim! Welcome!

It sounds like you are starting from scratch!

I haven't been doing POC very long, myself, but here is what I can suggest, at least to get you started. 

Visit each of your sites. Make sure each site has a CLIA certificate and document the office name and CLIA number. Determine which point of care tests are being performed at each site. Contact CLIA to make sure they are only performing tests for which they are certified. Organize that information in a method that makes sense to you. Read the package inserts for each test. If there are no procedure manuals, create one for each site based on the package inserts and your enterprise's policies. This will be easier if all sites use all of the same testing. Site-by-site, check to see that the tests are being run according to packaging. Organize a skills fair to give all operators an opportunity for training. Have operators sign a log stating that they attended. Have each operator demonstrate proficiency (we use controls at our skills fairs). Give each operator a quiz that addresses each point of care test, especially areas where they need improvement, based on your site observations.

This is the simplest of starts, and there is a lot more to do, but I'm sure you'll get on the right path with the help of others here!

Shannon

Hi Kim,  one idea

Go to CAP.com       print out the check list for point of care

Everything that you need to pass CAP inspection is there

It will be a very good starting point......good reference to refer back to.

                         Good Luck , betty

You don't have to call CLIA to verify which tests the facilities are certified for as these are listed on the COW,PPM permit/registration.  If they have a lab director and had a POCC in the past I doubt that they're performing tests that they are not certified for but if you find any, remove them immediately and follow protocol to add a new test to the permit. 

Good luck.

Hi Kim,

     Welcome to POC! Shannon gave you a great list to get started. I was in the same boat here 11 years ago. I started by finding out what was "out there" that was POC. I was lucky that at least there were procedures in place but they needed updated. I joined the listserv and asked a LOT of questions which is how I got 'trained'. I also contacted the sales reps for various equipment and test kits that I was unfamiliar with and had them come in to train me so I knew what was going on. They can be very helpful with regulatory questions if they are a good rep. You will need to know who is inspecting you. CAP, Joint Commission or COLA. I'm not sure about nursing homes. Standardize as much as you can, ex. competency forms, policies, etc. as it makes it easier for nursing if things look familiar.

     Also, ask your operators (nurses, CNAs) questions about how they are currently doing things. They will feel respected, part of the process and can be very valuable in helping you figure stuff out. If you find out something needs changed, explain why. Usually nursing is very accommodating if they know why they need to change something.  

    Once you find out what you need....ask us. Most of us are will to share policies, procedures, competency, etc that you can adapt for your situation. I have a couple off-site facilities that do waived testing, our hospital has approx. 330 beds and we have an urgent care center that I assisted in setting up their 'lab'. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Lois Snider, BS, MT(ASCP)

Point of Care Coordinator

St. Clair Hospital

1000 Bower Hill Rd.

Pittsburgh, Pa. 15243

412-942-3827

lois.snider@stclair.org