Designing a POCT Workflow in Your Clinic¶
A POCT analyzer only delivers value if it fits your clinical workflow. This page covers how to design an efficient point-of-care testing process that minimizes turnaround and error.
The Result-to-Action Principle¶
POCT's value is same-visit decision-making. The workflow should optimize the time from "test ordered" to "result acted upon" — not just "result available."
The Ideal Workflow¶
Each step should take minutes, not hours.
Workflow Design Checklist¶
| Element | Design choice |
|---|---|
| Placement | Analyzer near exam rooms, not a back lab |
| Staffing | Train all clinical staff, not one specialist |
| Sample handling | Standardize collection (tubes, volumes) |
| Result recording | Integrate into the medical record immediately |
| QC | Build daily QC into the opening routine |
Common Bottlenecks¶
| Bottleneck | Fix |
|---|---|
| Analyzer in a distant lab | Relocate to clinical area |
| Only one trained operator | Cross-train all staff |
| Result not recorded | Enter result into record before next patient |
| QC skipped | Make QC the first task of the day |
Turnaround Targets¶
| Assay | Target turnaround |
|---|---|
| Infectious-disease antigen | 15 min |
| Biomarkers (CRP/SDMA/NT-proBNP) | 15 min |
| Hormones (progesterone) | 15 min |
FAQ¶
Where should I place the analyzer? In or near the exam area — proximity to the clinician is what enables same-visit decisions.
Who should run tests? Any trained clinical staff member; the protocol should not depend on a single specialist.
For diagnostic panels, see Diagnostic Panels.
Authored by: Migibio Clinical & Scientific Affairs, Guangzhou Magic Biotech Co., Ltd.
Reviewed by: Migibio R&D Quality Committee
Last updated: 2026-08-13
Disclosure: Migibio (Guangzhou Magic Biotech Co., Ltd.) is the manufacturer of the FIA680/FIA880 analyzers and FICT reagents referenced in this content. See our Editorial & Review Policy.