11.5 Point-of-Care and Urinalysis Reference Checklist
Key Takeaways
- Waived testing still requires exact manufacturer instructions.
- Quality control, expiration dates, specimen type, timing, and documentation determine result validity.
- Invalid tests should be repeated or corrected rather than interpreted.
POC Testing Reference
Point-of-care testing turns into an exam trap when the candidate treats a device result as automatically valid. A CLIA-waived test is still controlled by manufacturer instructions, facility policy, quality control, storage requirements, expiration dates, specimen type, and timing.
Before, During, After
| Phase | Required thinking |
|---|---|
| Before | Verify order or standing protocol, patient identity, expiration date, storage, QC status, and specimen type |
| During | Follow collection, timing, volume, and reading instructions exactly |
| After | Document result, time, operator, lot/QC details if required, and provider notification when needed |
Common POC Traps
A glucose control outside acceptable range means patient testing should stop until the problem is resolved. A urine pregnancy device without a control line is invalid. A dipstick read too early or too late can be inaccurate. A poorly collected swab can produce misleading rapid-test results. Expired strips, wrong storage, or insufficient sample volume can invalidate a result.
Urine Collection
For clean-catch midstream urine, instruct the patient to clean as directed, begin voiding, collect midstream urine, avoid touching the inside of the cup or lid, and close the container securely. Test promptly or preserve according to policy. If the specimen has wrong identity, leakage, contamination, or unacceptable delay, do not silently report the result.
Exam Cue Table
Use these cues during the last pass through this section. They are designed to make the answer choice obvious when a question mixes several topics at once.
| Cue in the question | Best decision habit |
|---|---|
| Invalid control | Do not report the patient result. |
| Expired or poorly stored kit | Replace supplies and follow manufacturer instructions. |
| Dipstick timing | Read each pad at the required time. |
Last-Minute Self-Test
Cover the right column and explain the decision habit out loud. Then add one example from a practice question you missed. If the example involves a patient identifier, abnormal result, unclear order, privacy issue, failed QC, specimen problem, or urgent symptom, include the exact first action and the exact documentation or reporting step. This is the level of specificity needed for CCMA scenario questions.
A pregnancy test has no control line. What should the CCMA do?
Which action is required before CLIA-waived patient testing?
Why does urine dipstick timing matter?