This volume is the first comprehensive clinical practice reference in the rapidly growing field of point-of-care testing. Written by the experts and innovators in point-of-care testing technologies and procedures, the book provides practical guidance in planning and implementing the most reliable, clinically useful, and cost-effective point-of-care procedures and systems. The opening section discusses the goals of point-of-care testing and thoroughly explains the basic principles and methods. A major portion of the book examines applications in a variety of clinical settings, and includes case studies that demonstrate the benefits, limitations, and cost-effectiveness of point-of-care testing. Concluding sections focus on management, performance, information systems, and economic outcomes. A technical appendix is included. It is a Brandon-Hill recommended title.

Table of Contents:
PART I. INTRODUCTIONPoint-of-Care Testing in the 21st CenturyGoals and Guidelines for Point-of-Care TestingPrinciples of the Hybrid LaboratoryPrinciples of Anticoagulation and Sample TransportScientific Principles of Point-of-Care Whole-Blood AnalysisDry Reagent Prothrombin Time and Other Hemostasis MethodsImmunoassays for Point-of-Care TestingAdvantages and Disadvantages of Point-of-Care Instruments PART II. POINT-OF-CARE TESTING IN THE HOSPITAL AND CLINICAL PRACTICEPoint-of-Care Hematology, Hemostasis, and Thrombolysis TestingPoint-of-Care Testing in Surgery, Intensive Care, and Cardiopulmonary ResuscitationPoint-of-Care Testing in Emergency MedicineOn-Site Evaluation of Chest Pain Using Biochemical Markers of Myocardial InjuryBedside Testing, Glucose Monitoring, and Diabetes ManagementNursing Strategies for Point-of-Care TestingPoint-of-Care Testing for Infectious DiseasesMolecular Diagnosis at the Point of CarePoint-of-Care Drug TestingPoint-of-Care Testing for Body FluidsEx Vivo and In Vivo Monitoring of Prematures and NeonatesPoint-of-Care Testing in the Children's Hospital PART III. POINT-OF-CARE TESTING IN THE HEALTH SYSTEM, COMMUNITY, AND FIELDPoint-of-Care Testing in Primary Care Networks and Managed CarePoint-of-Care testing in the Veteran's Affairs SystemPoint-of-Care Testing in the Community Health SystemPatient Self-Testing and Self-Management of Oral Anticoagulation with Point-of-Care TestingHome-Based Point-of-Care TestingAdvances in the Physician Office Laboratory PART IV. MANAGEMENT, PERFORMANCE, ACCREDITATION, AND EDUCATIONAssessing Point-of-Care Testing ProgramsQuality Management and Administration of Point-of-Care ProgramsRegulation, Accreditation, and EducationMeeting JCAHO Standards for the Hospital SettingPoint-of-Care Testing and the American College of PathologistsFDA Regulation of Home-Use In Vitro Diagnostic DevicesRegulatory Qualification of New Point-of-Care Diagnostic Devices PART V. INFORMATION, SECURITY, AND KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMSInformatics and Data ManagementInformation Systems for Point-of-Care Testing in Critical CareSecurity, Validation, and ConnectivityThe Role of the Clinical Data Repository in Point-of-Care TestingElectronic Consultation and TelemedicineInternet-Based Disease Management for Home Care and Self-Testing PART VI. ECONOMICS, OUTCOME, AND OPTIMIZATIONBilling for Point-of-Care TestingThe Role of Point-of-Care Testing in Care PathsHealth and Disease Management: The Role of Point-of-Care TestingImproving Economic Outcomes by Algorithmic Diagnosis of Myocardial InfarctionUsing Lactate to Predict Patient OutcomesImproving Medical and Economic Outcomes with Point-of-Care Testing INDE