The acronym POC has two interpretations when applied to diagnostic test devices.

Point Of Care -  a test which can be performed at the site at which care is provided with immediate results available, without referral to a specialist laboratory. In the context of tuberculosis this may be a clinic, health centre or hospital setting.

Point Of Collection - a test which can be performed at the site of specimen collection. In the context of tuberculosis this may be within a community or home setting, in the clinic or at the patients bedside. These are often referred to as 'near patient tests'.

POC tests are normally rapid tests that provide a diagnostic results within a short time period. In the context of TB this is a test device where the results is available within the duration of a single visit to the health care provider and does not require a second visit at a later date to collect the result.