The Diagnostic Accreditation Program (DAP) is introducing two new accreditation schemes designed for point-of-care testing (POCT) performed outside the traditional lab setting, using a right-touch approach to accreditation.
POCT devices that are simple to use have become widely available and are being rapidly adopted across the health-care sector, resulting in improved access to patients. While POCT can deliver important results and reduce the time for clinical decisions, it is vital that the equipment functions and is operated according to manufacturer instructions and best quality practices to get accurate results.
New POCT standards have been created using international, national and regional standards and best practices through engagement with key health partners and peer regulatory colleges. These standards help ensure that POCT services produce reliable results for both patients and health-care professionals.
The new accreditation schemes involve the assessment of services to limited standards which support the delivery of safe, high-quality care, instead of using the entire standard set used with a traditional laboratory medicine facility.
- The DAP limited-service accreditation scheme is designed for community facilities offering diagnostic services near or at the patient side which involve complex methodology (e.g. portable or small tabletop analyzers).
- The DAP community point-of-care accreditation scheme is designed for community facilities offering services near or at the patient side which do not involve complex methodology (e.g. portable, handheld testing devices like rapid strep testing).
Facilities enrolled in a DAP point-of-care testing accreditation scheme will have an on-site assessment conducted once every four years. Organizations that have demonstrated appropriate structure and oversight of a multi-facility point-of-care program may be eligible to alternate on-site assessments with self-audits every four years with approval from the DAP Committee.
The types of facilities eligible for accreditation under this program include but are not limited to:
- long-term care facilities
- pharmacies
- physician offices
- emergency, pandemic, and disaster testing centres
- outreach clinics in remote areas