Point-of-care testing

Anumber of research and market analysts have published reports on the projected growth of the point-of-care testing (POCT) sector over the next fi ve years. Grand View Research said the global POCT market was valued at $18.09bn in 2018 and expects it to rise to $22.8bn by 2025. Its report states: “Continuous developments in research and development activities to miniaturise molecular and professional diagnostic tests is anticipated to drive the demand for the devices.

“In addition, improvements in lab automation techniques coupled with introduction of cost-eff ective and high-quality medical solutions is set to propel the growth.”

Other analysts are even more optimistic about growth. For example, Global Market Insights expects the sector value to hit $36.6bn by 2025. It predicts a that the most growth will be in microfl uids technology (9.2%), followed by

the tumour and cancer segment (7.6%) and then prescription-based testing sector (7.5%).

It states: “Growing awareness about early disease diagnosis and prevention has stimulated the demand of POCT molecular diagnostics for detection of cancer and infectious disease at early stages. It has also benefi ted genetic testing and detection of sexually transmitted diseases. POCT has become an integral part of disease management and therapy. Applications include drug regimen selection, patient stratifi cation, therapeutic monitoring, and detection of predisposition to disease.”

However, the report does go on to stress that there are some barriers to growth: “High cost of product development will be a major market hindering factor. Integration of advanced technology into these devices to reduce the rate of errors have increased the cost of production, which has in-turn led to an increase in the price of these devices, thereby restricting the overall market growth.”

UK developments The growth of POCT in the UK was evident last year when for the fi rst time the IBMS ran a dedicated POCT programme at Congress. Scientists crowded into a packed hall to hear a number of speakers cover a variety of topics from how

POCT is introduced and controlled in primary care, to accreditation of POCT services, to the importance of software developments.

Dr Sarah Glover is a clinical lead for POCT and was the chair for the Congress POCT programme. She said: “We’ve had individual session that have been well attended and POCT is a discipline which is growing and growing and that’s only going to continue going forwards.” One of the speakers was Ben Courtney, Accreditation Manager at UKAS, who said “the UKAS approach is adaptable and collaborative with POCT”.

He went on to explain: “We want to understand what the problems are and devise an accreditation programme that suits biomedical scientists’ needs. Those thinking about seeking accreditation should conduct a gap assessment and then address those gaps – we

want to see that you know what you are talking about. There are so many diff erent ways that POCT can be delivered and will work.” He added that those who are unsuccessful in seeking accreditation should not worry about their lab accreditation – “think of it as an extension to scope,” he stressed “it has no impact on the accreditation of your lab”.

Resources With such fl uidity and uncertainty around POCT, in January this year the IBMS launched a Certifi cate of

CERTIFICATE OF EXPERT PRACTICE IN POINT OF CARE TESTING The new IBMS qualifi cation comprises six modules, each of which runs for two weeks There are two refl ective pieces of work required during the course and an exam at the end The course costs £675

and is run in conjunction with Ulster University, which hosts it online The pilot was launched

in January 2020 and was limited to 60 places The qualifi cation is aimed at new and aspiring POCT staff. For more information, including course dates and details on how to apply, visit the education section of the IBMS website.

Expert Practice in Point of Care Testing to support members in developing their training skills and basic knowledge.

Lee Peters, Section Manager in Swansea Bay Health Board, who is currently completing a doctorate in POCT education for laboratory staff , outlined the qualifi cation and explained the reasons behind it.

“There have been calls for a POCT qualifi cation for some time, it’s always been bubbling below the surface,” he said. “But because of the scope and the increase in use and demand we thought that a POCT qualifi cation was required.” See box, above, for more details and information on this qualifi cation. Following the 2019 Congress, the IBMS launched its fi rst podcast, the IBMS Biopod, which can be used for self-directed learning and a CPD resource. The fi rst episode features Dr Sarah Glover and Lee Peters talking about the future of POCT and giving advice for those who want to get involved.

To listen to the POCT podcast, which is part of a new monthly series, visit ibms.org/resources/podcast

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