We are delighted to announce the publication of a study on Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) biosafety decisions, featuring significant contributions from IQMH. This investigation, titled "Point-of-Care Testing Biosafety Decisions: An Investigation Summary Illustrating Current Decision-Making Process in Ontario, Canada," is now available in the Journal of Applied Laboratory Medicine.

About the Study

The study, led by leading microbiologists and biochemists from the IQMH Microbiology Scientific Committee, examines the current state of POCT biosafety decision-making across various laboratories in Ontario. It highlights the varying levels of involvement from biosafety officers (BSOs), microbiologists, Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) staff, and POCT laboratory personnel in ensuring the safety and efficacy of POCT practices, especially outside traditional laboratory settings.

Key Findings

High Response Rate: Out of 249 laboratories surveyed, an impressive 88.7% responded, providing a robust dataset for analysis.

Biosafety Decision-Making: For POCT within microbiology laboratories, BSOs and microbiologists were involved in 95% of decisions. However, this involvement drops significantly to 27% for POCT conducted outside of laboratories.

SOP Oversight: Only 57% of institutions reported having a standard operating procedure (SOP) for biosafety practices that includes POCT. The responsibility for these SOPs primarily lies with laboratory staff, IPAC, or senior leadership.

Training and Auditing: Training and compliance audits for POCT biosafety were predominantly carried out by IPAC and laboratory staff, with minimal involvement from BSOs and microbiologists.

IQMH’s Contribution

IQMH played a crucial role in this study, from designing and distributing the survey to analyzing the responses. Our expertise in laboratory quality management and biosafety standards was instrumental in highlighting the gaps and inconsistencies in current POCT biosafety practices. Our involvement underscores our commitment to enhancing health care quality and safety through rigorous research and continuous improvement of laboratory practices.

Implications for Health Care

As POCT becomes increasingly prevalent, particularly in response to public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the safety of these tests is paramount. This study provides valuable insights and emphasizes the need for comprehensive biosafety guidelines that extend beyond traditional laboratory settings. Enhancing the involvement of BSOs and microbiologists in POCT decision-making and establishing robust SOPs are critical steps toward safeguarding patient and health care worker safety.

Looking Ahead

IQMH continues to lead efforts in promoting high standards of laboratory practice and biosafety. We are well positioned to continue to contribute to health care quality management and the development of more inclusive and detailed biosafety protocols for POCT.

For more information and to read the full study, please visit the Journal of Applied Laboratory Medicine.