What does the acronym POC stand for in a medical setting?

In a medical setting, POC stands for "Point of Care." This term refers to diagnostic testing, treatments, or patient care delivered directly at the site where the patient is receiving healthcare, such as in the emergency department or during a physician's visit. The key benefit of point-of-care services is that they enable immediate results and facilitate quick decision-making regarding the patient's care without the need for laboratory testing that might delay treatment. For instance, point-of-care testing can include rapid tests for conditions like strep throat or glucose monitoring for diabetic patients. This approach enhances the efficiency of care and allows healthcare providers to initiate treatment without waiting for results from distant labs, ultimately improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.