Factors Influencing Pre-Purchase Decision-Making and Validation/Verification Practices for POCT among Clinical Laboratory Professionals: A Workshop-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Nepal
Keywords:
Validation, Verification, POCTAbstract
Introduction: Point-of-care testing (POCT) is becoming more common in clinical environments; however, if devices are not chosen correctly and proper validation/verification is lacking, test quality and patient safety may be jeopardized. There is still limited evidence regarding pre-purchase decision-making and validation practices for POCT devices among clinical laboratory professionals in low- and middle-income countries, including Nepal. This study aimed to assess factors influencing pre-purchase decision-making and the validation/verification practices for POCT devices among clinical laboratory professionals in Nepal.
Methods: A cross-sectional study based on workshops was carried out with clinical laboratory professionals participating in a POCT-related workshop at a university hospital in Nepal. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on pre-purchase considerations, perceived importance of device-related factors, training exposure, and POCT validation/verification practices. Responses were summarized using descriptive statistics, and the relationship between training and validation practices was evaluated with odds ratios (ORs) accompanied by 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results: In the analysis, a total of 49 participants were included. During the selection of POCT devices, performance characteristics, analytical accuracy, and manufacturer support were often rated as highly important factors. Those who had undergone POCT-related training were significantly more likely to report performing POCT validation than those who had not received such training (OR = 10.85; 95% CI: 0.59–199.19; p = 0.047).
Conclusion: Clinical laboratory professionals in Nepal place strong emphasis on technical standards and quality when procuring POCT devices, however, gaps remain in how validation and verification are consistently carried out.
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