Which type of testing is included in Point of Care Testing?

Point of Care Testing (POCT) refers to diagnostic tests that are performed at or near the site of patient care, rather than in a centralized laboratory. This approach allows for immediate results which can facilitate quick decision-making regarding patient management and treatment.

The focus on tests being "performed near the patient" encompasses a variety of testing types, including blood tests, urine tests, and even some imaging tests like bedside ultrasounds, as long as they are conducted close to the patient. This flexibility in test types enhances the applicability and utility of POCT across various clinical settings and situations, especially in emergency medicine or remote areas.

The other options are too restrictive. While some imaging and blood tests can be part of POCT, it is not limited to those categories exclusively, nor does it include laboratory tests that require long processing, which are typically performed in a traditional lab setting away from the patient. Thus, the broad definition that POCT includes tests carried out close to the patient is the most accurate and comprehensive understanding of the concept.