Who can give point-of-care testing?

• A. Pharmacist
• B. Intern
• C. Certified techs
• D. All of the above under direct supervision of a pharmacist

Answer: (D)

Point-of-care testing is testing done near the patient to support quick clinical decisions, and who can perform it depends on supervision and training. In practice, the pharmacist oversees the testing process and is responsible for accuracy and safety, but under direct supervision, others can perform the tests as well. Interns in training can carry out POCT tasks under the pharmacist’s direct oversight, and certified technicians who are appropriately trained and credentialed can do the same, provided policies and regulations allow it. Because all of these roles can participate under direct pharmacist supervision, the broad approach that includes pharmacists, interns, and certified technicians best reflects how POCT is commonly implemented.