Point-of-care testing: supporting faster clinical decisions
Healthcare systems today are under constant pressure. Staff shortages, growing patient volumes, and tighter budgets shape everyday work across care settings. A whitepaper by the German diagnostics industry association VDGH highlights point-of-care testing (POCT) as one practical way to ease that pressure by enabling faster, more informed decisions closer to the patient.
Point-of-care testing in everyday clinical practice
POCT is already well established in many areas of healthcare, including inpatient emergency departments as well as outpatient medical care. By delivering test results directly at the point of care, it reduces waiting times and uncertainty. Physicians can make decisions immediately, start treatment sooner, and often avoid unnecessary follow-up visits, referrals, or hospital admissions.
Supporting efficiency across care pathways
POCT is not just about speed. It is about working smarter. Testing near the patient streamlines workflows, reduces logistics and administrative effort, and frees up valuable time for what matters most, patient care. In infection diagnostics, POCT also supports more targeted antibiotic use, helping improve outcomes while tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Strengthening communication and patient experience
Fast, clear results also strengthen communication with patients. When answers are available during the visit, it becomes easier to explain next steps, build trust, and support adherence, contributing to a better overall care experience.
Why POCT matters in today’s healthcare
- Faster results support informed clinical decisions
- Decentralized testing brings care closer to patients
- Streamlined workflows reduce complexity and save time
- Targeted diagnostics support responsible antibiotic use
- Quick answers improve patient experience and engagement
The VDGH whitepaper highlights POCT as an important element in strengthening healthcare systems. The paper also discusses the role of quality standards, digital connectivity, and supportive frameworks in ensuring consistent value in everyday care. To fully realize its potential, continued innovation supported by appropriate regulation, reimbursement, and digital integration is essential.
Reference
VDGH Whitepaper: Point-of-care-testing; A trend-setting development in laboratory diagnostics, 2025. https://www.vdgh.de/en/press/publications/vdgh-white-paper/point-of-care-testing/#