Chapter 5 of The Getting Started Series: A Guide to Point-of-Care Testing for Your Mobile Health Clinic

Mobile health clinics are transforming healthcare delivery by bringing essential services directly to communities, especially underserved populations (1). A critical component of these clinics is Point-of-Care Testing (POCT), which allows for rapid diagnostic results, enabling timely medical decisions (2). At SEKISUI Diagnostics, we are committed to supporting healthcare providers in establishing effective POCT services within mobile clinics.

Understanding Point-of-Care Testing (POCT)

POCT refers to medical diagnostic testing performed at or near the site of patient care (3). This approach offers several advantages.

• Rapid Results: Tests such as glucose monitoring, infectious disease detection, and pregnancy tests can yield results within minutes, facilitating immediate clinical decisions (4).
• Improved Patient Engagement: Immediate feedback can enhance patient understanding and adherence to treatment plans.
• Operational Efficiency: Reducing the need for laboratory referrals streamlines the care process and can lower healthcare costs (5).
  
  

Steps to Implement POCT in Your Mobile Clinic

Assess Community Needs

Begin by engaging with local communities to identify prevalent health concerns. Understanding specific needs ensures that your clinic offers relevant services. Resources like the Mobile Health Map provide valuable insights into community health profiles.

Select Appropriate POCT Equipment

Choose testing devices that are reliable, user-friendly, and suitable for mobile settings. Consider factors such as test menu, portability, and ease of use (3). For example, SEKISUI Diagnostics offers a range of rapid tests and diagnostic readers designed for point-of-care settings.

Ensure Regulatory Compliance

Adhere to local and national regulations governing POCT. This includes obtaining necessary certifications and ensuring that testing personnel are adequately trained. Implementing a quality assurance program is essential to maintain test accuracy and reliability (3).

Train Staff Thoroughly

Provide comprehensive training for all staff involved in POCT. Training should cover proper specimen collection, device operation, result interpretation, and quality control procedures. Ongoing education ensures that staff remain proficient and up to date with best practices (3).

Integrate POCT into Clinical Workflow

Develop protocols to seamlessly incorporate POCT into patient care processes. This includes establishing procedures for documenting results, communicating findings to patients, and making timely clinical decisions based on test outcomes (2).

SEKISUI Diagnostics: Your Partner in POCT

SEKISUI Diagnostics offers a comprehensive portfolio of POCT solutions tailored for mobile clinics:

• Rapid Tests: Our OSOM^® line includes tests for infectious diseases, women's health, and more, providing accurate results quickly.
• Diagnostic Readers: The Acucy^® System used with the Acucy^® Influenza A&B Test, provides best-in-class Flu A performance when compared to immunoassay products in market.
• Point-of-Care Molecular: Devices like the Metrix® system offer advanced molecular testing capabilities in a compact format, ideal for mobile settings.
• Support and Training: We provide resources and training to ensure that your staff can effectively utilize our POCT products, maintaining high standards of patient care.

Conclusion

Implementing Point-of-Care Testing in your mobile health clinic enhances your ability to deliver timely, efficient, and patient-centered care. By following the outlined steps and leveraging reliable POCT solutions, you can significantly impact community health outcomes. SEKISUI Diagnostics is here to support you every step of the way.

For more information on our POCT products and support services, visit our Point-of-Care Testing page.

References

1. Yu, Stephanie W Y, et al. The scope and impact of mobile health clinics in the United States: a literature review. National Library of Medicine. [Online] National Center for Biotechnology Information, October 2017. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5629787.
2. Nxele, Siphesihle R, et al. Mobile-linked point-of-care diagnostics in community-based healthcare: a scoping review of user experiences. Archives of Public Health. [Online] August 2024. https://archpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13690-024-01376-4.
3. Larkins, Michael C. and Thombare, Aparna. Point-of-Care Testing. National Library of Medicine. [Online] National Center for Biotechnology Information, May 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK592387.
4. Roche Diagnostics. Faster results, better care: The rising importance of point-of-care testing. LabLeaders. [Online] Roche Diagnostics, January 2025. https://lableaders.roche.com/global/en/articles/importance-point-of-care-testing-poct.html.
5. Schilling MD PhD, Martin. The Economic Benefits of Point-of-Care Tseting. Abbott Global Point Of Care. [Online] Abbott Diagnostics, July 2022. https://www.globalpointofcare.abbott/us/en/knowledge-insights/viewpoints/the-economic-benefits-of-point-of-care-testing.html.