Guidance Document for Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) in Community Pharmacies in South Africa

Abstract

Community pharmacists are strategically positioned within the healthcare system to deliver Point-of-Care Testing (POCT), leveraging their accessibility and frequent patient interactions to provide timely diagnostic services. Evidence has consistently demonstrated that integrating POCT into community pharmacy practice significantly enhances patient access to essential diagnostic services, particularly in underserved or resource-limited settings. By offering POCT, community pharmacists contribute to reducing the burden on other healthcare facilities and contribute to improving the health outcomes of their patients.¹

POCT is the performance of a diagnostic screening test for a medical condition outside of a laboratory setting. Furthermore, it is completed in a single encounter, at the patient’s side, often leading to a change in the care of the patient.

This document offers a guideline for pharmacists in South Africa, which is compliant with the Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) Guidelines and SAPC Board Notice 539. It aims to provide a comprehensive guide to ensure that pharmacists deliver safe, ethical, and reimbursable POCT services in community pharmacies. Board Notice 539 of 2023, clarifies the rules relating to the services for which a pharmacist may levy a fee.