Point-of-care testing (POCT) is transforming healthcare by enabling rapid and accurate diagnostics at the patient’s location, eliminating the need for centralized laboratories. Its impact is particularly significant in emergency care, rural healthcare, and disease management.

 

One of the primary advantages of POCT is rapid diagnosis, which allows for immediate medical decisions. In emergency settings, such as heart attacks, strokes, or infections, quick test results can be lifesaving. POCT also enhances accessibility in remote and underserved areas, where laboratory infrastructure is limited, ensuring timely disease detection and treatment.

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Additionally, POCT is crucial for managing chronic and infectious diseases. Devices like glucose meters for diabetes, troponin tests for heart conditions, and rapid tests for HIV or COVID-19 enable real-time patient monitoring and treatment adjustments. Cost-effectiveness is another major benefit, reducing hospital visits, waiting times, and overall healthcare costs.

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POCT is also vital in pandemic response, allowing quick screening and containment of diseases like COVID-19 and influenza. With advancements in microfluidics, biosensors, and AI-driven diagnostics, POCT continues to evolve, making healthcare more efficient, accessible, and patient-centered, ultimately improving global health outcomes.

 

Advantages of Lab-on-chip for Point-of-Care Diagnostics

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1. Rapid & Accurate Diagnostics: Provides quick test results, reducing waiting times. Enhances sensitivity and accuracy, ensuring reliable detection of diseases.

2. Minimal Sample & Reagent Use: Requires only microliters of blood, saliva, or urine, making it less invasive. Reduces reagent consumption, lowering testing costs.

3.  Portability & Ease of Use: Enables on-site testing in clinics, homes, and remote locations. Simple operation with minimal training, making it accessible for non-specialists.

4. Cost-Effectiveness & Scalability: Lowers manufacturing and operational costs due to small-scale components. Suitable for mass production, supporting widespread deployment.

5. Integration with Digital & AI Technologies: Supports real-time data analysis, remote monitoring, and AI-based diagnostics. Enhances personalized medicine and continuous health tracking.

6. Multiplexed Testing & High-Throughput Screening: Detects multiple biomarkers simultaneously, improving diagnostic efficiency. Accelerates drug discovery and disease monitoring.

 

Essential Materials for Lab-on-Chips

 

The efficiency and reliability of microfluidic / Lab-on-chips largely depend on the choice of materials used. These materials influence critical properties such as chemical compatibility, durability, and manufacturability. Below is an overview of the most commonly used materials in microfluidic chip fabrication:

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