and the need for additional tests [8]. Documentation in cerebrospinal
fluid of enteroviral RNA has clearly modified the
management of a given patient with meningitis, in terms of
prescription of antibacterial agents, investigations, and duration
of hospitalization [9]. Thus, POC tests might help to
limit the overuse of antibiotics, prevent the emergence of
resistance, and be cost-effective in reducing the charges associated
with diagnostic procedures and hospitalization. Furthermore,
the rapid documentation of a transmissible agent
at admission lowers the risk of its nosocomial transmission
[10]. In situations where immediate treatment is recommended
to interrupt further transmission and when patients
might not return for follow-up, such as for genital ulcers of
sexually transmitted diseases [11], the development of POC
tests may allow clinicians to better curtail the empirical therapy,
thus limiting toxicity and costs of unnecessary treatments,
and to obtain better compliance with treatment.
POC tests need easily obtained samples such as urine,
blood, saliva, or nasopharyngeal swabs. Although the use of
these tests does not require laboratory personnel, performance
is clearly linked to the experience of the operator
[12,13], which may influence the test’s accuracy. POC test
analytical errors have been described as relatively common,
and might impair patient care [14]. POC tests are usually
evaluated in comparison with standard microbiological