APPLICATION LEVELS OF PRINCIPLES OF POCT IMPLEMENTATION, MANAGEMENT, AND MAINTENANCE THROUGH THE PERCEPTIONS OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AT A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN UYO, AKWA STATE, NIGERIA.

The level of application of POC principles is low within UUTH based on current findings. This highlights a critical gap in current operational practices, posing potential risks to the quality of patient diagnostic data. Immediate development/implementation of targeted programs and enhanced compliance protocols to address these deficiencies is recommended.