Point-of-Care Testing: The Convergence of Innovation and Accessibility in Diagnostics

Over the years, the evolution of point-of-care testing (POCT) has been driven by technological advancements in materials, design, and artificial intelligence, as well as breakthrough developments in wearable technologies. These innovations are shifting diagnostics from centralized medical facilities to individual homes, meeting the growing demand for personalized healthcare. This Review explores recent advancements in binding-based assay technologies over the past two years, focusing on platforms such as traditional flow assays (lateral and vertical flow), fully integrated microfluidic devices, and wearable biosensor-integrated systems for POCT applications. It emphasizes the role of optical and electrochemical detection methods, which are essential for ensuring the sensitivity, specificity, and reliability required in a POCT. POCT technologies offer advantages including ease of use, high diagnostic accuracy, rapid clinical assessment, and cost-effectiveness in manufacturing and consumables. Additionally, the Review highlights current challenges and future perspectives for delivering personalized healthcare through portable and wearable POCT systems that operate on a sample-in, result-out basis.