Point-of-Care Sensors in Clinical Environments: Potential and Challenges

Thanks to a general multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach, during the last few decades there have been huge advances in the diagnostic field. In particular, the miniaturization and automation of several assays have led to the development of the so-called point-of-care tests (PoCT), which are devices capable to provide accurate and specific detection of analytes such as glucose, other clinically-relevant biomarkers, pathogens, and drugs. The detection with these devices typically takes place in a few minutes and without the need of specialized personnel. Here we discuss the key technologies and applications of PoCTs, as well as the major challenges in the clinical environment.