AN OVERVIEW OF RAPID IMMUNOASSAYS

The managed care environment dictates that patients be diagnosed quick ly and efficiently. In many cases, the use of point-of-care (POC) immu noassays helps meet this requirement. Rapid immunoassays performed at the point of care allow test results to be integrated into the decisio n-making algorithm and contributes to prompt and appropriate treatment ; Tens of millions of rapid immunoassays are performed each year in cl inics, physician offices, and emergency rooms throughout the United St ates. This overview discusses the evolution of POC immunoassay technol ogy and the state of the art for these products. Also Presented are pa tient management scenarios in which available rapid immunoassays play a role. This article is the first in a four-part continuing education update series on chemistry. Other articles focus on immunosensors, imm unoassays, and prostate-specific antigen.