Role of Point-of-Care Testing in Emergency Medicine: Impact on Clinical Decision-Making, Workflow Efficiency, and Patient Outcomes

Background: Emergency departments require rapid diagnosis to manage time-sensitive conditions such as sepsis, acute coronary syndrome, and trauma. Delays associated with central laboratory testing can affect patient outcomes. Point-of-care testing (POCT) provides rapid bedside diagnostic results and may improve emergency care efficiency.

Aim: To evaluate the role of point-of-care testing in emergency medicine.

Methods: A structured literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Forty-six studies evaluating POCT use in emergency departments were included and analyzed.

Results: POCT significantly reduced diagnostic turnaround time, with results available within minutes. Early access to test results supported faster clinical decision-making, reduced emergency department length of stay, and improved patient flow. POCT was particularly beneficial in high-volume and resource-limited settings, with good agreement reported between POCT and central laboratory results.

Conclusion: Point-of-care testing is an effective complement to central laboratory services in emergency medicine, supporting timely diagnosis and improved emergency department workflow.