HSE National Clinical Guideline
Guidelines for safe and effective near-patient testing (NPT)
Topic:
Near patient testing
Document Owner:
Clinical design & innovation
National Group:
National clinical programme pathology
Effective From: 21 April 2021
This document is to provide guidance and recommendations on the implementation and management of safe and effective NPT in both hospital and community settings.
Near-patient testing (NPT) aims to improve patient outcomes through provision of a laboratory medicine service by healthcare professionals using small analytical devices provided near to the patient rather than from a clinical laboratory. Guidance for safe and effective NPT, using IVDs that are fit for purpose and operated by a competent individual on the correct patient, giving quality results which should become part of the patient record.