Pharmacy Technicians and Point of Care Testing

Overview

Journal J Pharm Technol

Publisher Sage Publications

Date 2021 Dec 3

PMID 34860949

Citations 3

Authors

Megan E Keller

Sarah E Kelling

David R Bright

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

As the practice of pharmacy continues to advance and involve nondispensing pharmacy services, point-of-care testing (POCT) has continued to demonstrate its usefulness as a tool and service in pharmacy. Of particular significance is the ability of POCT to assist clinical practice related to diabetes, cholesterol management, and anticoagulation. POCT can allow for certain laboratory results to be obtained within seconds to minutes, which can help direct care. Many components of POCT programs can involve pharmacy technicians to help enhance practice efficiency. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of POCT devices commonly used in nondispensing pharmacy services and to describe the roles that pharmacy technicians may have in the POCT process. PubMed (1946-2014) was reviewed for relevant literature using terms such as "pharmacy technician" and "point of care testing." Additionally, manufacturer information/websites of POCT products were reviewed for approval information and instructions for use. Articles describing POCT completed in a pharmacy setting and/or roles of pharmacy technicians and related support staff in the POCT process were considered for inclusion. Several types of POCT devices for different uses common to the practice of pharmacy are reviewed. Additionally, strategies for collaboration between pharmacy technicians and pharmacists in the execution of a POCT program are described. Pharmacy technicians are well suited to participate in portions of the POCT process, and the involvement of pharmacy technicians may improve POCT efficiency.

Citing Articles

Evaluation of Point-of-Care Testing in Pharmacy to Inform Policy Writing by the New Brunswick College of Pharmacists.

Hutchings L, Shiamptanis A Pharmacy (Basel). 2022; 10(6).

PMID: 36548315 PMC: 9782880. DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy10060159.

Enhancing point-of-care testing through standardized training and redeployment of pharmacy technicians in the community setting.

Pope S, Hill H, Cardosi L, Henson L, Wasson M, Stallworth S Explor Res Clin Soc Pharm. 2022; 2:100034.

PMID: 35481116 PMC: 9029904. DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2021.100034.

Point-of-Care Testing for Pharyngitis in the Pharmacy.

Essack S, Bell J, Burgoyne D, Tongrod W, Duerden M, Sessa A Antibiotics (Basel). 2020; 9(11).

PMID: 33126412 PMC: 7693205. DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9110743.

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