Point-of-Care Testing
Convenient In-Office Diagnostic Testing
In-office diagnostic testing can provide useful information during your medical visit and help your healthcare provider evaluate common symptoms, screen for certain conditions, and determine appropriate next steps.
At Modern Medical Care, point-of-care testing may be used alongside your medical history and physical examination to support timely, coordinated care.
Common Types of In-Office Testing
Depending on your symptoms and the testing available, in-office diagnostic testing may include:
- Rapid respiratory testing — may help evaluate illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, or other respiratory infections when appropriate
- Rapid strep testing — may be used when symptoms suggest a possible strep throat infection
- Urinalysis — can provide information related to urinary, kidney, and other health concerns
- Blood glucose testing — provides information about your blood sugar level at the time of testing
- Pregnancy testing — may be performed when clinically appropriate as part of your evaluation
In-office testing is most useful when the result is interpreted together with your symptoms, medical history, physical examination, medications, and other health information to help guide appropriate next steps and support a complete understanding of your care.
Why Point-of-Care Testing Can Be Helpful
Some diagnostic tests can be performed during an office visit rather than requiring separate testing at another location. When appropriate, this can provide your healthcare team with timely information while your symptoms are being evaluated.
- Convenient testing during your visit
- Timely information to support clinical decisions
- Testing selected according to your symptoms
- Results coordinated with your overall medical care
Your Visit
What to Expect
1. Your symptoms are evaluated: Your provider will review your concerns, medical history, and other relevant information.
2. Appropriate testing is selected: An in-office test may be recommended when it can provide useful information about your condition.
3. Your sample is collected: Depending on the test, this may involve a throat or nasal swab, urine sample, or another specimen.
4. Your results are reviewed: Your provider can explain the findings and determine whether treatment, or additional testing is appropriate.
Patient Information
Preparing for In-Office Testing
Most point-of-care tests require little preparation. Instructions depend on the specific test and the reason it is being performed.
- Tell your provider when your symptoms began and how they have changed.
- Share information about medications or treatments you have already used.
- Follow any test-specific instructions provided by your healthcare team.
If additional preparation is required, your healthcare team will provide instructions for the specific test being performed.
Understanding Your Test Results
A rapid or point-of-care test result is one part of your medical evaluation. Depending on your symptoms and the type of test performed, additional laboratory testing or further evaluation may sometimes be needed.
Your healthcare provider can explain what your result means and how it relates to your symptoms, examination, and overall health.
A rapid result does not replace a complete clinical evaluation. Your healthcare provider considers the test result together with your symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and other information before recommending appropriate next steps in your care.
When In-Office Testing May Be Recommended
- Sore throat or respiratory symptoms
- Fever or symptoms of an acute illness
- Urinary symptoms
- Blood sugar concerns
- Other symptoms where rapid diagnostic information may help guide care
Common Questions
In-Office Diagnostic Testing FAQs
What is point-of-care testing?
Point-of-care testing refers to certain diagnostic tests that can be performed near the patient during a medical visit rather than being sent out for traditional laboratory processing.
How quickly are in-office test results available?
Timing depends on the specific test being performed. Some point-of-care tests can provide results during the visit, while others may require additional processing, confirmatory testing, or follow-up before results are fully available.
Can I still need laboratory testing after a rapid test?
Yes. Depending on the result, your symptoms, and the condition being evaluated, your healthcare provider may recommend confirmatory laboratory testing or additional evaluation.
Coordinated Care
Timely Testing as Part of Your Care
When appropriate, in-office diagnostic testing can provide useful information without adding unnecessary steps to your visit. At Modern Medical Care, our goal is to make testing convenient, easy to understand, and fully coordinated with the rest of your medical care and follow-up.