Microfluidic Devices for Point-of-Care Diagnostics: Bridging the Healthcare Gap

EasyChair Preprint 11269

Abstract

Point-of-care diagnostics, characterized by rapid and decentralized medical testing, have emerged as a pivotal approach to democratize healthcare and improve patient outcomes. In this context, microfluidic devices have proven invaluable tools, offering precise and efficient solutions for various diagnostic applications. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of microfluidic devices designed for point-of-care diagnostics and their potential to bridge the healthcare gap. Microfluidics, rooted in manipulating minute volumes of fluids within microscale channels, provides a unique platform for developing portable and low-cost diagnostic devices. The miniaturization of complex laboratory processes onto small chips enables the integration of multiple analytical steps, reducing the overall cost, time, and sample volume required for diagnostic testing. This review covers the foundational principles of microfluidics and its suitability for point-of-care diagnostics, emphasizing the significance of materials, device design, and fluidic control. A crucial aspect of this paper is the exploration of the diverse diagnostic modalities incorporated into microfluidic devices, including immunoassays, nucleic acid amplification, and cell-based assays, among others. The integration of various detection methods and biosensors further enhances the specificity and sensitivity of point-of-care tests.

Keyphrases: Healthcare gap, Point-of-care diagnostics, microfluidic devices

@booklet{EasyChair:11269,
  author    = {Tomas Dexter and Lee Kasowaki},
  title     = {Microfluidic Devices for Point-of-Care Diagnostics: Bridging the Healthcare Gap},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint 11269},
  year      = {EasyChair, 2023}}