Point-of-Care Testing and Home Testing: Pragmatic Considerations for Widespread Incorporation of Stool Tests, Serum Tests, and Intestinal Ultrasound

Breaking through the biologic therapy efficacy plateau for inflammatory bowel disease requires the strategic development of personalized biomarkers in the tight control model. After risk stratification early in the disease course, targeted serial monitoring consistently to assess clinical outcomes in response to therapy allows for quick therapeutic adjustments before bowel damage can occur. Pointof-care intestinal ultrasound performed by the treating gastroenterologist is an accurate cross- sectional biomarker that monitors intestinal inflammation in realtime, enhances patient care, and increases shared understanding to help achieve common treatment goals. Combining intestinal ultrasound during a clinic visit with existing serum and stool biomarkers in a home testing setup with electronic health monitoring allows for an optimized, patient-centered personalized treatment algorithm that may improve treatment outcomes. Here, we review the current state, pragmatic considerations, and future implications of point-of-care testing and home testing for noninvasive inflammatory bowel disease monitoring in the tight control model.

Automated summary

Breaking through the efficacy plateau for biologic therapy in inflammatory bowel disease requires the development of personalized biomarkers and close monitoring to assess and adjust treatment outcomes in real time. Intestinal ultrasound, combined with other biomarkers, can optimize personalized treatment and improve outcomes.