"On Vivo" and Wearable Clinical Laboratory Testing Devices for Emergency and Critical Care Laboratory Testing

Point-of-care testing (POCT) devices are designed for clinical laboratory testing at the bedside or near the patient and can significantly reduce the turnaround time for laboratory test results. The next generation for clinical laboratory testing may be devices that are worn or attached to the patient.

POCT devices that are designed where samples are tested directly on the patient include bilirubinometers, pulse oximeters, breathalyzers (for alcohol and, more recently, cannabinoid detection), transcutaneous blood gas analyses, and novel testing applications such as glucose and tumor signatures following surgical excision. The utility of these devices with special reference for use within the intensive care unit and the emergency department is reviewed.

It is likely that wearable POCT devices will be developed in the future that can meet current and emerging clinical needs. Advancements in biomedical engineering and information technology will be needed in the creation of next-generation devices.