Point-of-Care Testing: The Convergence of Innovation and Accessibility in Diagnostics.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Diagnostics
• Wearable Technology

Background:

• Point-of-care testing (POCT) evolution is driven by AI, materials science, and wearable tech.
• Diagnostics are shifting from centralized facilities to home-based personalized healthcare settings.
• Binding-based assay technologies are crucial for POCT development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in binding-based assay technologies for POCT.
• To focus on innovations in flow assays, microfluidic devices, and wearable biosensors.
• To highlight the role of detection methods in POCT reliability.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature on POCT advancements.
• Focus on traditional flow assays (lateral and vertical), microfluidic devices, and wearable biosensors.
• Emphasis on optical and electrochemical detection methods.

Main Results:

• Innovations in materials, design, AI, and wearables are advancing POCT.
• Wearable biosensor-integrated systems and microfluidic devices are key platforms.
• Optical and electrochemical methods ensure POCT sensitivity, specificity, and reliability.

Conclusions:

• POCT offers ease of use, accuracy, rapid assessment, and cost-effectiveness.
• Portable and wearable POCT systems are key for personalized healthcare delivery.
• Future perspectives focus on sample-in, result-out POCT systems.