Point of Care
Although the dream of a tricorder- a device that can sense vital signs and diagnose all possible diseases – remains a science fiction dream, technological advances have enabled the development of different portable devices. So-called Point-of-care (POC) devices can test specific parameters at the patient’s bedside, at the family doctor’s office, or even in remote locations. The notion drives POC to bring the test conveniently and immediately to the patient. Given the gaps in the provision of diagnostics around the world, the Lancet Commission on diagnostics has recommended that „as a priority, a set of key point-of-care diagnostics (point-of-care tests and point-of-care ultrasound) be made available at all primary healthcare centers.“ Despite the limitations of POC devices, Point-of-care diagnostics have enabled access to diagnostics, especially for the populations with the least access to conventional diagnostics. The expansion of POC diagnostics will only continue to grow in the future, reinforcing their significant role in solving the challenges of delivering timely and accurate diagnostics.
EXAMPLE:
Singaporean startup iFirst Medical Technologies develops a point-of-care diagnostic device that integrates with iOS. The device uses a cartridge system to analyze samples. The cartridges are available with pre-treated reagents for the analysis of different health parameters and biomarkers. The app then tracks a user’s coagulation profile in real-time and shares it over the cloud, wifi, or cellular data for a professional consultation. The device has already got the CE mark, which declares high safety, health, and environmental protection requirements for the European Economic Area.
Expert Statement Markus Riepl:
I expect POC will make it easier for all of us and it will help to expand access to diagnostics. Easy-to-use devices will allow reliable sampling as well as tests in remote areas. For example, simple, powerful sampling cards to collect and stabilize blood drops on a special membrane are already existing and can be used to transfer specimens at room temperature from remote locations to the next laboratory. These new technologies create possibilities for easy testing as well as monitoring.