Intermediate
Technical
IVT
point-of-care screening
Newborn screening tests performed at the bedside or in clinical areas rather than in central laboratories.
Full Definition
Testing performed in clinical settings such as nurseries, birthing centers, or physician offices using portable devices that provide rapid results. Point-of-care screening is primarily used for conditions requiring immediate intervention, such as critical congenital heart disease using pulse oximetry. These tests complement traditional laboratory-based screening by providing immediate results that can guide clinical decision-making, though they may require different quality assurance procedures and staff training protocols.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate throughout (point-of-care-screening program).
In Context
- "Point-of-care screening for heart defects is performed before hospital discharge." — Clinical protocol
- "Quality assurance for point-of-care screening requires specific training and documentation." — Procedure manual
Also known as
bedside screening
rapid screening
Contrasted with
laboratory-based screening
centralized testing
Don't confuse with
point-of-care testing
immediate testing