The Rise of Molecular Point-of-Care Testing

Abstract

Point-of-care testing (POCT) technology continues to advance at a fast pace, making it easier to shrink complex testing platforms into point-of-care (POC) devices. By testing at a molecular level, the accuracy of the results far surpasses previous POCT methodologies. Molecular POCT devices allow quick, easy-to-use testing in near-patient scenarios where a rapid diagnosis can be the difference between treating one patient and treating all others who would be infected if the diagnosis were delayed.

Key Takeaways

• Access to sensitive and rapid infectious disease assays is essential for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and timely infection control.
• Innovations in molecular POCT have allowed molecular testing to expand from specialty molecular diagnostics laboratories into clinical laboratories, clinics, and at the patient’s side.
• The rapid turnaround time (TAT) of POCT combined with superior sensitivity and specificity of molecular methodologies affords the best scenario for diagnosis and containment of contagious infectious diseases.
• For public health emergencies, molecular POCT can be used to achieve accurate, economical diagnoses, promoting early detection and mitigation to better control an infectious disease outbreak.