Revolutionising Disease Detection: How Point-of-Care Testing is Shaping the Future of Global Health & Disease Outbreak.
- suzanne8228
- Apr 4
- 2 min read
Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) is revolutionizing disease detection with rapid, accessible diagnostics. This blog explores emerging biomarkers, pandemic-driven innovations, and Cytomics’ role in advancing medtech for global healthcare challenges.
By Cytomics Team
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we realised the importance of Point-of-Care Technology (POCT) which served as a rapid and robust technique in addressing the widespread of the coronavirus. We observed
this began the largest global testing programme in history, in which hundreds of millions of individuals have been tested to date. The unprecedented scale of testing has driven innovation in the strategies, technologies and concepts that govern testing in public health.
Why Point-of-Care Testing Matters
Point-of-Care testing (POCT) refers to medical diagnostic testing performed at or near the site of patient care, delivering rapid results without needing a centralised laboratory.
POCT plays a crucial role in disease detection because it provides fast, reliable, and accessible results, enabling the practicians to do timely clinical decisions. With on-time diagnostic and treatment, POC testing can improve patient outcomes, especially with diseases where early intervention is key, e.g. virus infection, diabetes and stroke.
The importance of the POCT became evident during the Covid-19 pandemic, when POCT allows for quick detection of Covid-19, which is essential for isolating infected individual and preventing the spread of the virus. With hundreds of millions of tests conducted everyday, POCT helps healthcare provider to allocate the resources more effectively, preventing overwhelming of healthcare system.
Among various diagnostic methods, antibody-based testing was widely used in POCT development due to its affordability, ease of use, and effectiveness.
Emerging Biomarkers in POCT
Aptamers – These are short strands of nucleic acids that bind to target molecules with high precision. Research from Pohang University of Science and Technology and Myongji University in South Korea has shown that fluorescent aptasensors, which use aptamers, can detect viruses, cancer cells, and various biomarkers. They offer high sensitivity, fast detection, and cost-effectiveness, making them ideal for POCT applications.
Exosomes – These tiny extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released by all living cells and are emerging as valuable diagnostic biomarkers. Research from Central South University in China suggests that exosomes can outperform other circulating biomarkers in detecting diseases. However, challenges remain in developing high-performance analytical tools for clinical use.
Cytomics: Driving Innovation in POCT
At Cytomics, we are committed to advancing POCT and diagnostic technology. We provide cutting-edge solutions, strategic consultation, and specialised training to help drive progress in the medtech industry. By collaborating with key stakeholders, we aim to build a strong bioscience and clinical research ecosystem that supports the future of disease detection and global healthcare challenges.
References:
Recent Advances in Biological Applications of Aptamer-Based Fluorescent Biosensors
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