Across Australia, aged care is evolving — not only through policy reform and funding updates, but also through a deeper focus on clinical safety and quality of care.
One of the latest developments is the introduction of a national Point of Care Testing (POCT) Standard, currently in draft form. The standard is being developed by the Australian Commission on Safety, and inviting feedback from aged care providers ahead of its anticipated release in 2026.
While this standard may appear technical, its purpose is deeply human:
to ensure that older Australians receive accurate, timely, and safe health testing within aged care settings.
From blood glucose monitoring to infection testing, POCT helps care teams make decisions faster — often within minutes rather than hours or days.
This article explains what POCT is, why this new standard matters, and what families and older Australians need to know.
What Is Point of Care Testing (POCT)?
Point of Care Testing is clinical testing performed where care is delivered, rather than sending samples to an external pathology lab.
Examples include:
- Checking blood sugar for someone with diabetes
- Rapid tests for infections (like flu or COVID-19)
- Blood oxygen monitoring
- INR testing for patients taking blood-thinning medication
For older people — especially those in aged care or receiving care at home — POCT can prevent unnecessary hospital transfers and help detect issues earlier.
Why Is a New Standard Needed?
Today, POCT is already used in healthcare settings.
But aged care providers vary in:
- How consistently tests are administered
- Whether results are recorded accurately
- How staff are trained to respond
Without clear expectations, the quality and safety of POCT can differ significantly between providers.
The new Standard aims to change that.
The draft Point of Care Testing Standard focuses on:
| Area of improvement | Impact on older Australians |
| Safety | Ensures testing is done by trained staff using approved procedures |
| Quality & accuracy | Results are reliable and errors are reduced |
| Consistency | All aged care providers follow the same minimum standard |
| Documentation | Information is captured clearly to support better care decisions |
This means older Australians will receive safer, more consistent clinical care, regardless of where they live.
Consultation Is Now Open — Providers Can Shape the Final Standard
The Commission is now asking:
“What works, what doesn’t, and what needs to change before this becomes mandatory?”
Aged care providers — including residential aged care, home care, and Support at Home providers — are encouraged to participate.
Consultation Opportunities
| Activity | Details |
| Online survey & written feedback | Open until 12 December |
| Draft standard available online | Providers can review and comment |
| Virtual focus group (February 2026) | Final discussion before standard completion |
| Standard release | Expected late 2026 |
The feedback collected will help ensure the standard is realistic, implementable, and supportive of care quality, not just regulatory complianc.
What Does This Mean for Older Australians and Families?
This new standard can benefit seniors in several important ways:
- Faster health decisions
POCT results are immediate, helping care teams act quickly.
- Fewer hospital visits
Rapid screening reduces unnecessary admissions — especially beneficial for frail seniors.
- Improved infection control
Early detection protects both the individual and others in care settings.
- Higher accountability for providers
Providers who use POCT will be expected to meet the same safety requirements nationwide.
By setting clear expectations, the government reinforces the principle that aged care should be safe, credible, and patient-centred.
How Providers Will Be Evaluated
The draft POCT standard will align with:
- The Aged Care Quality Standards (2025 update)
- Requirements of the Aged Care Act 2025
- Provider reporting expectations under Support at Home
This means providers must demonstrate that:
| Requirement | Expectation |
| Staff training | Only trained personnel can perform POCT |
| Device management | Equipment must be maintained and calibrated |
| Documentation | Results recorded accurately and shared appropriately |
| Continuous improvement | Providers monitor outcomes and report issues |
What Families Should Watch For
When asking providers about POCT capability, families may consider asking:
- Are staff trained in Point of Care Testing?
- How quickly are test results shared with family or care coordinators?
- How are POCT results recorded in care plans?
Providers should be able to explain their processes clearly and transparently.
Aged Care Reform Is Not Only About Funding — It’s About Quality
This standard reinforces a broader shift happening across Australia:
Aged care quality is no longer optional — it is measurable and enforceable.
From the new Aged Care Act, to Support at Home reforms, to the Statement of Rights — every update pushes the system toward:
- Accountability
- Safety
- Transparency
- Person-centred care
POCT is one more step toward protecting the wellbeing of older Australians.
🤝 SSCA Can Help
Navigating aged care reform can feel complicated — especially when trying to compare services, quality measures, or provider capabilities such as POCT.
At Support Services Connect Australia (SSCA):
We help families find the right aged care provider — and our care finding service is 100% free.
Our team has over 25 years of aged care experience, and we support older Australians in:
- Understanding available home care or Support at Home options
- Comparing providers
- Choosing a provider that aligns with their needs, values, and preferences
📍 Based in Melbourne
💬 We speak in clear, simple language
💡 We guide you — you stay in control
If you need help choosing a provider:
👉 Contact us for free care finding support.