Point-of-care immunotesting: approaching the analytical performance of central laboratory methods.

In this study, a novel microfluidic paper-based chemiluminescence analytical device (μPCAD) with a simultaneous, rapid, sensitive and quantitative response for glucose and uric acid was designed. This novel lab-on-paper biosensor is based on oxidase enzyme reactions (glucose oxidase and urate oxidase, respectively) and the chemiluminescence reaction between a rhodanine derivative and generated hydrogen peroxide in an acid medium. The possible chemiluminescence assay principle of this μPCAD is explained. We found that the simultaneous determination of glucose and uric acid could be achieved by differing the distances that the glucose and uric acid samples traveled. This lab-on-paper biosensor could provide reproducible results upon storage at 4 °C for at least 10 weeks. The application test of our μPCAD was then successfully performed with the simultaneous determination of glucose and uric acid in artificial urine. This study shows the successful integration of the μPCAD and the chemiluminescence method will be an easy-to-use, inexpensive, and portable alternative for point-of-care monitoring.

Microfluidic paper-based chemiluminescence biosensor for simultaneous determination of glucose and uric acid.

The rapid growth of research in the areas of chemical and biochemical sensors, lab-on-a-chip, mobile technology, and wearable electronics offers an unprecedented opportunity in the development of mobile and wearable point-of-care testing (POCT) systems for self-testing. Successful implementation of such POCT technologies leads to minimal user intervention during operation to reduce user errors; user-friendly, easy-to-use and simple detection platforms; high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity; immediate clinical assessment; and low manufacturing and consumables costs. In this review, we discuss recent developments in the field of highly integrated mobile and wearable POCT systems. In particular, aspects of sample handling platforms, recognition elements and sensing methods, and new materials for signal transducers and powering devices for integration into mobile or wearable POCT systems will be highlighted. We also summarize current challenges and future prospects for providing personal healthcare with sample-in result-out mobile and wearable POCT.

Recent progress, challenges, and prospects of fully integrated mobile and wearable point-of-care testing systems for self-testing

Non-human vertebrate blood is commonly collected and assayed for a variety of applications, including veterinary diagnostics and physiological research. Small, often non-lethal samples enable the assessment and monitoring of the physiological state and health of the individual. Traditionally, studies that rely on blood physiology have focused on captive animals or, in studies conducted in remote settings, have required the preservation and transport of samples for later analysis. In either situation, large, laboratory-bound equipment and traditional assays and analytical protocols are required. The use of point-of-care (POC) devices to measure various secondary blood physiological parameters, such as metabolites, blood gases and ions, has become increasingly popular recently, due to immediate results and their portability, which allows the freedom to study organisms in the wild. Here, we review the current uses of POC devices and their applicability to basic and applied studies on a variety of non-domesticated species. We located 79 individual studies that focused on non-domesticated vertebrates, including validation and application of POC tools. Studies focused on a wide spectrum of taxa, including mammals, birds and herptiles, although the majority of studies focused on fish, and typical variables measured included blood glucose, lactate and pH. We found that calibrations for species-specific blood physiology values are necessary, because ranges can vary within and among taxa and are sometimes outside the measurable range of the devices. In addition, although POC devices are portable and robust, most require durable cases, they are seldom waterproof/water-resistant, and factors such as humidity and temperature can affect the performance of the device. Overall, most studies concluded that POC devices are suitable alternatives to traditional laboratory devices and eliminate the need for transport of samples; however, there is a need for greater emphasis on rigorous calibration and validation of these units and appreciation of their limitations.

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Use of portable blood physiology point-of-care devices for basic and applied research on vertebrates: a review

The significance of microfluidics-based and microelectromechanical systems-based biosensors has been widely acknowledged, and many reviews have explored their potential applications in clinical diagnostics, personalized medicine, global health, drug discovery, food safety, and forensics. Because health care costs are increasing, there is an increasing need to remotely monitor the health condition of patients by point-of-care-testing. The demand for biosensors for detection of biological warfare agents has increased, and research is focused on ways of producing small portable devices that would allow fast, accurate, and on-site detection. In the past decade, the demand for rapid and accurate on-site detection of plant disease diagnosis has increased due to emerging pathogens with resistance to pesticides, increased human mobility, and regulations limiting the application of toxic chemicals to prevent spread of diseases. The portability of biosensors for on-site diagnosis is limited due to various issues, including sample preparation techniques, fluid-handling techniques, the limited lifetime of biological reagents, device packaging, integrating electronics for data collection/analysis, and the requirement of external accessories and power. Many microfluidic, electronic, and biological design strategies, such as handling liquids in biosensors without pumps/valves, the application of droplet-based microfluidics, paper-based microfluidic devices, and wireless networking capabilities for data transmission, are being explored.

http://jla.sagepub.com/content/20/4/365.full.pdf+html

Patrick St-Louis

Papers

Status of point-of-care testing: promise, realities, and possibilities.