Point of care testing (POCT) refers to analytical testing performed near or at the site of patient care, delivering actionable results within minutes. Evidence from emergency, primary and community settings shows that POCT can shorten turnaround times and time-to-treatment, support faster clinical decision-making, and, when appropriately implemented, reduce length of stay and avoid some unnecessary admissions. In primary care, selected POCTs (particularly C-reactive protein (CRP) testing) have been shown in randomised trials and systematic reviews to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing without compromising patient safety, supporting antimicrobial stewardship. These benefits are realised when POCT is integrated into clinical pathways with appropriate governance and close linkage to laboratory services.
POCT has long been part of healthcare delivery. Given its central role across hospitals, primary care and community settings, robust quality assurance for POCT activity is paramount. ISO 15189 – Medical laboratories: Requirements for quality and competence (2022) now incorporates the POCT requirements that were previously set out in ISO 22870 (now withdrawn), creating a single, comprehensive framework for both laboratory and point-of-care services. For providers, this means demonstrating effective governance and risk management; method verification/validation and measurement traceability; appropriate internal quality control and participation in external quality assessment; secure data capture and result reporting; and initial and ongoing staff training and competence assessment. Accreditation to ISO 15189 gives assurance that POCT results are technically valid and clinically reliable, and that they are comparable with laboratory results across the care pathway.
Why accreditation matters
Accreditation to ISO 15189 is not a procedural formality: it demonstrates that a service’s management system, technical procedures and clinical risk controls have been independently evaluated and found competent. In POCT, where results can trigger immediate clinical actions, accreditation provides confidence that devices are selected and managed appropriately, results are monitored with internal quality control (IQC) and external quality assessment (EQA), and connectivity, records and oversight prevent errors and data loss. This, in turn, underpins patient safety, timeliness of care and trust in diagnostic decisions.
UKAS assesses organisations against ISO 15189:2022, including its POCT requirements, and monitors ongoing compliance. The UKAS Academy complements this by equipping professionals with the clarity, confidence and competence to design, implement and continually improve POCT governance and practice.
Live training with industry expertise
On 15 January 2026, the UKAS Academy is running a face-to-face training course on point of care testing and ISO 15189, delivered at the UKAS offices in Staines-upon-Thames.
The course will be led by John Ringrow, an experienced accreditation practitioner and trainer. John brings a wealth of experience from decades spent working in laboratory medicine, accreditation, and healthcare quality improvement. Having held senior leadership roles and contributed directly to the development and delivery of accredited systems, he understands both the strategic and operational challenges of embedding POCT within ISO 15189.
John is widely recognised across the industry for his ability to translate complex requirements into practical, actionable guidance. His teaching style is engaging and authoritative, blending theoretical rigour with real-world insight. Participants consistently value his deep subject knowledge, his first-hand experience of assessment, and his ability to illustrate what good practice looks like in reality.
It is this calibre of trainer – professionals who have lived the standards they teach – that sets the UKAS Academy apart. With John leading the session, attendees will benefit not only from structured learning, but also from the insights of a knowledgeable figure in the field of laboratory accreditation.
Training that strengthens services and careers
Focused on ISO 15189:2022 requirements for POCT, this course distils what matters operationally—governance, verification, IQC/EQA and connectivity—so teams can deliver safe, efficient and accreditable services. In practical terms, participants can expect:
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Quality that stands up to scrutiny: Build consistent practice in verification/validation, IQC/EQA, traceability and records, reducing errors and safeguarding patients.
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Efficiency and audit readiness: Fewer repeats and smoother laboratory information system (LIS) / electronic patient record (EPR) connectivity, with faster close-out of nonconformities and stronger governance under ISO 15189:2022.
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Capability and influence: Clear understanding of what good looks like empowers better risk decisions, pathway design and cross-disciplinary collaboration—while strengthening professional credibility and progression.
This session focuses on practical application; embedding POCT safely and effectively within ISO 15189.
Who should attend?
This course is designed for healthcare professionals involved in POCT services, including:
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Clinical scientists and laboratory managers
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Quality managers responsible for compliance and assurance
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Healthcare staff supporting or overseeing POCT delivery
Whether you are working towards accreditation for the first time or strengthening your existing systems, this training provides practical guidance and expert insight.
Book your place
Spaces are limited for this in-person course. Join us on 15 January 2026 in Staines-upon-Thames and learn from one of the industry’s most trusted voices.
👉 Find out more and book your place here