Intelligent biosensing and point-of-care testing: from molecular recognition to decentralized precision care
1Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B
|July 30, 2026
Summary
Point-of-care testing (POCT) provides valuable diagnostic information beyond faster results. Meaningful POCT supports clinical actions and extends laboratory medicine, rather than replacing it.
Area of Science:
- Clinical diagnostics
- Laboratory medicine
- Public health
Background:
- Point-of-care testing (POCT) is transforming diagnostic processes.
- The impact of POCT extends beyond reduced turnaround times.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the value and role of POCT in modern healthcare.
- To position POCT as an extension of central laboratory services.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of current POCT applications.
- Analysis of POCT's contribution to clinical decision-making.
Main Results:
- POCT generates meaningful results that guide specific clinical or public-health actions.
- Effective POCT facilitates early triage, treatment selection, and disease surveillance.
Conclusions:
- POCT is a distributed extension of laboratory medicine.
- POCT should not be viewed as a simple replacement for central laboratories.
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