Purpose of the Point of Care Coordinator:
Oversee the day-to-day operations of Point of Care (POC) testing activities outside of the hospital main laboratory. Coordinate work-related tasks to ensure testing is performed within acceptable safety and quality control guidelines. Ensure that regulatory and compliance requirements are met. Understand all technical aspects of POC Testing including methodology and instrumentation. Function as expert advisor on POC testing methods and suggest and implement local applications.

Responsibilities:

Maintain inventory of POC testing equipment and ensure that instrumentation is validated prior to use. Coordinate general service and maintenance duties, including linearity checks and troubleshooting. Perform quality assurance reporting and identify opportunities for process improvement in conjunction with patient care departments. Enforce and adhere to laboratory compliance policies Evaluate and recommend methods and instruments for POC testing applications. Perform, implement, and monitor POC quality control procedures. Review and maintain documentation of quality control records to assure test validity. Support all organizational safety regulations to ensure a safe working environment around POC activities. Coordinate the Laboratory Point of Care (POC) testing program to assure compliance with federal, state, and laboratory accreditation standards. Interact with program officials of regulatory agencies, as required. Keep abreast of all new standards or changes to standards. Establish competency testing requirements and assess and monitor compliance by users. Maintain appropriate access to testing systems based on competency documentation. Investigate and respond to any inquiries concerning POC testing. Document corrective action and evaluate effectiveness of quality control. Enroll POC testing in required proficiency testing programs and monitor users’ proficiency. Collaborate with system laboratory POC resources to establish best practices. Monitor and maintain computerized result reporting for POC tests, interacting with system analysts and vendors as required. Develop and review policies and procedures for specimen collection, test performance, quality control, and resulting. Use reagents and supplies in a cost-effective manner; maintain appropriate inventory of supplies. In conjunction with Laboratory Director, evaluate appropriateness of POC utilization. Participate and monitor orientation, training, and competency assessment of testing personnel for POC tests in conjunction with clinical departments.