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

EasyChair Preprint no. 11323

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 to be invaluable tools, offering precise and efficient solutions for a range of 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 the manipulation of minute volumes of fluids within microscale channels, provides a unique platform for the development of portable and low-cost diagnostic devices. The miniaturization of complex laboratory processes onto small chips enables the integration of multiple analytical steps, resulting in a reduction in 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, microfluidic devices, Point-of-care diagnostics

@Booklet{EasyChair:11323,
  author = {Lee Kasowaki and Tomas Keith},
  title = {Microfluidic Devices for Point-of-Care Diagnostics: Bridging the Healthcare Gap},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint no. 11323},

  year = {EasyChair, 2023}}