Perception of pharmacists and patients on point-of-care testing for PSA

Abstract

A poster presentation regarding the perception of pharmacists and patients on point-of-care testing for PSA. Introduction: Point-of-care (POC) tests are a means of near patient investigation carried out by qualified non-laboratory personnel. The Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is secreted by the prostate gland and its detected levels in blood vary according to patients’ age and pathologies. Although PSA is tissue specific, it is not limited to specific conditions. ‘The On-Call PSA’ semi quantitative test was used in this study. Aims: To measure pharmacists and patient views on point-of-care testing for PSA. Objectives included: • Measure device accuracy and validating device • Identify advantages and disadvantages of using point-of-care testing method for PSA • Establish the feasibility of introducing such tests in community pharmacy.