Emerging Technologies for Next-Generation Point-of-Care Testing

Trends Biotechnol. 2015 Nov;33(11):692-705. doi: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2015.09.001. Epub 2015 Oct 17.

Abstract

Considerable advances in point-of-care testing (POCT) devices stem from innovations in cellphone (CP)-based technologies, paper-based assays (PBAs), lab-on-a-chip (LOC) platforms, novel assay formats, and strategies for long-term reagent storage. Various commercial CP platforms have emerged to provide cost-effective mobile health care and personalized medicine. Such assay formats, as well as low-cost PBAs and LOC-based assays, are paving the way to robust, automated, simplified, and cost-effective POCT. Strategies have also been devised to stabilize reagent storage and usage at ambient temperature. Nevertheless, successful commercialization and widespread implementation of such clinically viable technologies remain subject to several challenges and pending issues.

Keywords: assays; cellphone; lab on a chip; paper; point-of-care testing; reagent storage.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnostic Tests, Routine / methods*
  • Humans
  • Point-of-Care Testing*