Explanation could include that POCT

• uses minute amounts of blood
• can be performed for immediate (i.e., stat) results without sending the patient to a laboratory setting
• uses a hemoglobin meter
• uses an occult blood test.

Process/Skill Questions:

• Why is it important to have the ability to run a hemoglobin level at the patient's bedside?
• Why is it often important to get immediate laboratory results on a patient?
• What is the benefit of using a transcutaneous bilirubin testing method?
• Why is the overall cost of some POCT more economical than traditional laboratory testing?
• What other factors besides rapid turnaround go into the decision-making process when choosing POCT?