The Role of the Point-of-Care Testing Coordinator in Quality Management of Point-of-Care Testing and Its Application in Korea

Point-of-care testing (POCT) has become an essential diagnostic tool for rapid clinical decision-making.However, the expansion of POCT has raised concerns regarding quality management, workforce competency, and the lack of standardized operational frameworks, particularly in Korea.A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, KoreaMed, KMbase, and RISS databases.Literature published between January 2000 and December 2025 was searched using keywords related to POCT, quality management, patient safety, and POCT coordinators.Original articles, reviews, guidelines, consensus statements, and governmental reports published in English or Korean were included.POCT provides rapid results that improve clinical efficiency and patient care but is vulnerable to errors across the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases.Effective quality management requires clearly defined roles for directors, coordinators, and operators.International guidelines emphasize structured education, competency assessment, quality assurance, and dedicated POCT coordinators.In Korea, major challenges include the absence of standardized management systems, insufficient training and certification programs, and limited implementation of POCT coordinator roles.Strengthening POCT quality management in Korea requires standardized national guidelines, structured education and certification programs, dedicated POCT coordinators, accreditation-based oversight, and integrated data management systems.These measures may improve the reliability, safety, and clinical value of POCT services while supporting future healthcare needs.