The authors elaborated a questionnaire focused on point-of-care testing (POCT) in intensive care units (ICU). A total of 39 answers mailed by hospital laboratories was evaluated. Multiple POCT technologies are used in 43 (18%) of 239 ICU, glucometers in an additional 103 (43%). Internal quality assessment is not available for 51% of glucometers and for 21% of other methods. External quality assessment does not exist in 86%. The technology is not supervised in 48%. The organization and the practice of POCT must be improved in cooperation of clinical chemists and interested clinicians.

        Key words: point-of-care testing, intensive care, laboratory investigation.