LOC-based diagnostics can be used for point of care testing where state-of-the-art molecular analysis is required without requiring a state-of-the-art laboratory. Diverse biomedical applications and biohazard detection can be carried out in the field. Biomedical applications include medical screening, testing and diagnostics at point of care by primary care providers. Biohazard detection, including pathogens and toxins, encompasses applications in food testing, public health, and biosecurity.
LOC systems can be used for a variety of analytical applications including DNA amplification and analysis, quantitative immunoassays, enzymatic activity assays and other analytical approaches which are done today mainly in centralized, dedicated laboratories with complex and expensive equipment by highly trained personnel. Rapid LOC analysis can provide immediate interactive information to health care providers that can be incorporated into the planning of patient care. LOC-based diagnostics have the potential to improve the rates of earlier detection of cancer and other diseases with attendant improved prognosis.
LOC technologies are projected to be extremely useful for enhancing health care delivery in the community setting and to underserved populations especially in remote areas.
from Herold and Rasooly (Eds)
in Lab-on-a-Chip Technology (Vol. 2)Further reading:
Labels: diagnostics, lab on a chip, Lab-on-a-Chip Technology, LOC, molecular diagnostics