Towards Closed-Loop Integration of Point-of-Care Technologies

Abstract

Point-of-care (PoC) diagnostics promises to yield test results accessible anytime and anywhere. Its application has expanded from providing healthcare necessities to the real-time monitoring of the ageing and health conscious population. Following the evolving consumer demand, there is a trend toward developing non- and minimally invasive PoC tests. Emerging PoC sensors have not only demonstrated multifunctional capabilities such as sweat stimulation but also can be connected to drug delivery units via a wireless network, enabling an active role of the technology in disease management. This review article summarises the latest developments in non- and minimally invasive PoC diagnostics and provides an overview on the progress towards closed-loop integration of complementary technologies for comprehensive and autonomous patient care.

Keywords: autonomous; closed loop; diagnostics; minimally invasive; non-invasive; point of care.