Point-of-care test (POCT) plays a crucial role in swiftly and accurately identifying rare diseases. By leveraging extensive expertise and rich experience, our scientists specialize in providing professional POCT development services to meet the unique needs of rare disease diagnostics.
Introduction to Point-of-Care Test
Point-of-care test (POCT) refers to diagnostic tests that can be performed at or near the patient's location, providing immediate results without the need for laboratory infrastructure. Rare diseases often present unique challenges in terms of timely and accurate diagnosis. POCT has emerged as a vital tool in addressing these challenges, allowing for rapid and on-site diagnosis, which is particularly crucial for rare diseases where access to specialized laboratories may be limited. POCT provides rapid results, often within minutes, allowing for immediate clinical decision-making.
Fig. 1 Rapid turnaround of results with point-of-care test (POCT) compared to a conventional testing procedure. (Srinivasan, Balaji, and Steve Tung, 2015)
Rare Disease Point-of-Care Test Products
Rare disease point-of-care test (POCT) products encompass a wide range of devices, reagents, and technologies, all designed to provide rapid, accurate, and on-site testing. The following table lists some common POCT products.
| POCT Products |
Description |
| Point-of-Care Test Devices |
These devices are portable, user-friendly, and often incorporate advanced technologies for precise measurements. These devices may include handheld analyzers, compact laboratory systems, or integrated diagnostic platforms capable of performing multiple tests simultaneously. |
| Biosensors |
Biosensors are analytical devices that combine a biological component (e.g., antibodies, enzymes) with a transducer to detect and convert a biological signal into a measurable response. They are commonly used in point-of-care test for rare diseases due to their sensitivity, specificity, and rapid results. |
| Lateral Flow Assays |
Lateral flow assays employ capillary action to move the sample through a porous strip containing specific antibodies or antigens. The appearance of a visible signal, such as a colored line, indicates the presence or absence of a particular biomarker associated with a rare disease. |
| Microfluidic Devices |
Microfluidic devices, or lab-on-a-chip systems, are small-scale platforms that manipulate and analyze small fluid volumes. They combine multiple functions, including sample preparation, mixing, and detection, into a single chip, with advantages such as reduced sample and reagent consumption and shorter analysis time. |
Our Services
With a wealth of expertise and a team of exceptional scientists, our company is committed to offering excellent point-of-care test development services specifically tailored for rare disease diagnostics. We aim to address the distinctive challenges associated with rare diseases. Through our rigorous development process, we ensure the utmost reliability and consistency of our point-of-care diagnostic tests.
Workflow of Point-of-Care Test Development
Identify Target Analytes
Our scientists conduct in-depth analyses of diseases to identify specific biomarkers or analytes associated with them. This may involve analyzing the disease's biological pathways, genetic mutations, or unique molecular signatures.
Assay Design
Determine the appropriate assay format for the POC test based on the target biomarker and the desired performance characteristics. We take into account factors such as technical applicability, sensitivity, specificity, and ease of use.
Reagent Development
Develop the necessary reagents, such as antibodies, enzymes, or nucleic acid probes, to specifically detect the target biomarker. Optimize the reagents and validate their specificity, sensitivity, stability, and compatibility with the chosen assay format.
Prototype Development
Build a POCT prototype by integrating the assay format, optimized reagents, and appropriate sample processing steps. Create a user-friendly and portable device capable of providing rapid and reliable results within the desired performance specifications.
Verification and Optimization
We conduct rigorous validation using clinical samples, assessing the POCT performance by comparing it to a gold standard or reference method. This allows us to promptly optimize the test and enhance its accuracy and reliability.
Optional Point-of-Care Test Types
- Lateral Flow Assays
- Biosensors
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Immunoassays
- Microfluidic Devices
- Digital Point-of-Care Tests
- Microbiological Assays
- Electrochemical Sensors
- And More
Our Advantages
Time-saving services with high efficiency
Professional and experienced team
Cutting edge technology platform
Numerous service cases and customer praise
Our company remains at the forefront of innovation, dedicating to improving diagnostic capabilities for rare diseases. If you are interested in our services, please don't hesitate to contact us for further information and pricing details.
References
- Srinivasan, Balaji, and Steve Tung. "Development and applications of portable biosensors." Journal of laboratory automation 20.4 (2015): 365-389.
- Nichols, James H. "Point-of-care testing." Contemporary Practice in Clinical Chemistry. Academic Press, 2020. 323-336.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
