LONDON, June 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Advances in analytical technology and healthcare services have led to a significant progress in the development of point of care (POC) testing, resulting in rising demand for test devices at the site of the patient. Some POCT devices like urine and glucose dipsticks and meters have been used in the hospital environment, general practitioner surgeries and even in the home for many years. However, the potential of this market is much higher than its present status.

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The range of analysers and tests available has recently expanded considerably, and the technology has become more robust and easier to use. Today it is possible to provide a rapid test result in a timely manner in the immediate vicinity of the patient such as in the Emergency Department or the Intensive Care Unit.

In its upcoming web conference taking place on Tuesday, 29 June 2010, at 4 p.m. GMT Frost Sullivan will focus on the potential of the European Point of Care Testing Market. Senior Research Analyst, Ms. Rasika Ramachandran, will present an analysis of latest trends and key challenges of point of care testing today and discuss how different companies are trying to come out with innovative solutions to tackle these hurdles. This web conference will benefit diagnostics companies, biomarker companies, research institutions, research tool companies as well as distributors of diagnostic kits and devices.

To participate in this complimentary briefing, please email Katja Feick at katja.feick@frost.com with your full contact details. Upon receipt of the above information, a registration link will be e-mailed to you. You may also register to receive a recorded version of the briefing at any time by submitting the aforementioned contact details.

The new generation of primary care users are employing novel POC diagnostics and have been educated on the advantages of these new technologies, says Ms. Ramachandran. However, senior physicians continue to use traditional methods which they are familiar with. These clinicians are too habituated to the old practice of sending out samples to the lab for testing and are difficult to convince of the benefits of POC testing. A perception is prevailing among the medical community, that POC testing is not as accurate as lab testing. And this perception can hinder a wider uptake of on-site testing, concludes Ms. Ramachandran.

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Contact: Katja Feick Corporate Communications - Europe P: +49-(0)-69-77-0-33-43 F: +49-(0)-69-23-45-66 E: katja.feick@frost.com http://www.frost.com

SOURCE: Frost SOURCE: Sullivan

CONTACT: Katja Feick of Frost Sullivan Corporate Communications -Europe, +49-(0)-69-77-0-33-43, fax, +49-(0)-69-23-45-66,katja.feick@frost.com