AI in Point-of-Care - A Sustainable Healthcare Revolution at the Edge

This paper examines the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in point-of-care testing (POCT) to enhance diagnostic speed, accuracy, and accessibility, particularly in underserved regions. AI-driven POCT is shown to optimize clinical decision-making, reduce diagnostic times, and offer personalized healthcare solutions, with applications in genome sequencing and infectious disease management. The paper highlights the environmental challenges of AI, including high energy consumption and electronic waste, and proposes solutions such as energy-efficient algorithms and edge computing. It also addresses ethical concerns, emphasizing the reduction of algorithmic bias and the need for equitable access to AI technologies. While AI in POCT can improve healthcare and promote sustainability, collaboration within the POCT ecosystem-among researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers-is essential to overcome the ethical, environmental, and technological challenges.