New challenges in point of care electrochemical detection of clinical biomarkers

Point of care testing (POCT), i.e., medical tests performed wherever the patient is with the possibility to immediately get and send the results to the doctor for clinical decision making, is a social need which nowadays is witnessing rapid growth. Major technological progress, internet, mobile phones available to almost everyone, outstanding developments in the world of sensors, and miniaturization of devices facilitate to make a test without significant medical knowledge, allowing getting the results and the doctor's response in a short time. Electrochemical sensors play a key role in this field due to their ability to be adapted to small devices, whether handheld or wearable at a low cost. This review focus on new approaches in the world of electrochemical sensors that accomplish the main features that clinical POC devices should comply, such as affordability, disposability, sensitivity, selectivity, stability, flexibility, and ease to handle.

Automated summary

There is a growing social demand for point of care testing (POCT) which is being facilitated by advancements in technology, widespread internet access, and the miniaturization of electrochemical sensors. These sensors, known for their adaptability to small devices and low cost, play a crucial role in meeting the main criteria for clinical POC devices, such as affordability, sensitivity, and ease of use.