Point of care testing for the sick horse

Point of care testing is defined as ‘diagnostic testing performed at or near the patient with the result leading to a possible change in care of the patient’. POC devices are often portable and results are typically available immediately (or at least, very quickly), which avoids the need to submit laboratory samples and experience longer wait times. POC testing allows for timely changes in patient management and is important for improving case outcome. Other advantages include cost-effectiveness and the requirement of small sample volumes. The main disadvantages of POC devices are their lack of accuracy compared with central laboratory devices (CLDs) and differences in reference intervals ...