Canadian Consensus Guidance for SARS-CoV-2 Point-of-Care Test Selection and Quality Management
The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists published consensus guidance covering the full lifecycle of SARS-CoV-2 point-of-care testing, from test selection and verification to quality management system implementation. The recommendations address nucleic acid and antigen-based technologies approved by Health Canada, with practical advice on biosafety, performance limitations, and medical oversight applicable to settings with varied POCT experience. This framework served as a model for structured POCT governance during the pandemic.
The original study
Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists (CSCC) consensus guidance for testing, selection and quality management of SARS-CoV-2 point-of-care tests.
- Authors
- Taher J, Randell EW, Arnoldo S, Bailey D, De Guire V, Kaur S, et al.
- Journal
- Clinical biochemistry
- Type
- Journal Article, Review, Consensus Statement
- PMID
- 34048776
Original abstract
OBJECTIVES: A consensus guidance is provided for testing, utility and verification of SARS-CoV-2 point-of-care test (POCT) performance and implementation of a quality management program, focusing on nucleic acid and antigen targeted technologies. DESIGN AND METHODS: The recommendations are based on current literature and expert opinion from the members of Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists (CSCC), and are intended for use inside or outside of healthcare settings that have varied levels of expertise and experience with POCT. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Here we discuss sampling requirements, biosafety, SARS-CoV-2 point-of-care testing methodologies (with focus on Health Canada approved tests), test performance and limitations, test selection, testing utility, development and implementation of quality management systems, quality improvement, and medical and scientific oversight.