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The underlying technology and the range of test parameters available are evolving rapidly. The primary advantage of POCT is the convenience of performing the test close to the patient and the speed at which test results can be obtained, compared to sending a sample to a laboratory and waiting for results to be returned. Thus, a series of clinical applications are possible that can shorten the time for clinical decision-making about additional testing or therapy, as delays are no longer caused by preparation of clinical samples, transport, and central laboratory analysis. Tests in a POC format can now be found for many medical disciplines including endocrinology/diabetes, cardiology, nephrology, critical care, fertility, hematology/coagulation, infectious disease and microbiology, and general health screening. Point-of-care testing (POCT) enables health care personnel to perform clinical laboratory testing near the patient. The idea of conventional and POCT laboratory services presiding within a hospital seems contradictory; yet, they are, in fact, complementary: together POCT and central laboratory are important for the optimal functioning of diagnostic processes. They complement each other, provided that a dedicated POCT coordination integrates the quality assurance of POCT into the overall quality management system of the central laboratory. The motivation of the third edition of the POCT book from Luppa/Junker, which is now also available in English, is to explore and describe clinically relevant analytical techniques, organizational concepts for application and future perspectives of POCT. From descriptions of the opportunities that POCT can provide to the limitations that clinician's must be cautioned about, this book provides an overview of the many aspects that challenge those who choose to implement POCT. Technologies, clinical applications, networking issues and quality regulations are described as well as a survey of future technologies that are on the future horizon. The editors have spent considerable efforts to update the book in general and to highlight the latest developments, e.g., novel POCT applications of nucleic acid testing for the rapid identification of infectious agents. Of particular note is also that a cross-country comparison of POCT quality rules is being described by a team of international experts in this field.

Das vorliegende Werk gibt einen aktuellen Überblick über die wichtigsten POCT-Analyseverfahren und POCT-Geräte sowie deren klinische Anwendung. Darüber hinaus liefert es Informationen, u.a. zu medizinischer und wirtschaftlicher Bedeutung von POCT, Methodik, Organisation, Qualitätssicherung und den Trends für die Zukunft. Die 3. Auflage wurde komplett aktualisiert und erweitert und trägt den neuesten Entwicklungen auf dem Gebiet Rechnung. Neue Themen sind u.a. POCT-taugliche molekularbiologische Verfahren und der internationale Vergleich der Qualitätsregeln für POCT. Das Buch wendet sich an alle, die bereits patientennahe Laboruntersuchungen durchführen oder zukünftig einführen möchten: Ärzte aller Fachbereiche, POCT-Beauftragte, Verantwortungsträger in Kliniken und Krankenhausverwaltungen. Aber auch die Entwicklungsabteilungen von IVD-Unternehmen erhalten wertvolle Informationen über Entwicklungstendenzen und die neuen Anforderungen dereuropäischen Gesetzgebung an POCT-Geräte und -Reagenzien.

In addition to acting as a training guide for pharmacists, pharmacy residents and pharmacy students who seek to practice in areas associated with patients on anticoagulant therapy, the information presented within highlights the growing role of the pharmacist in these contexts. Readers will find useful information on anticoagulant management across all pharmacy practice areas, including the inpatient, ambulatory, emergency services and transitions of care settings. Particular attention is given to summarizing best practices and providing ‘real world'examples of ways in which pharmacists can be involved in anticoagulation management and the impact of such involvement. In the first major section of the book, each chapter focuses on the role of the pharmacist in the management of medication with a specific type of anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin, heparin and target-specific oral agents) in various healthcare settings. A broader overview of the clinical management of anticoagulation therapy is provided in the second major section, including descriptions of the role of pharmacists in assessing venous thromboembolism risk, ensuring patients receive appropriate prophylactic therapy, and monitoring outcomes.