Tests made by people, for people.
Common Questions:
Q1. What are Point-of-Use (POU) tests?
• POU tests provide rapid results on-site, bypassing the need for samples to be sent to a centralized laboratory for analysis.
Q2. What are the benefits of POU tests?
• Rapid results, improved outcomes, reduced lab dependency, and accessibility in remote settings.
Q3. Which diseases can POU tests diagnose?
• A wide range of biomarkers related to health issues may be detected to identify various conditions or diseases.
Q4. What technologies are used in POU tests?
• Lateral flow assays, electrochemical sensors, colorimetric and fluorescence methods, nucleic acid amplification, non-invasive, optical detection techniques etc.
Q5. What factors matter in developing a POU test?
• The target analyte, intended user (skilled or unskilled), and the environment in which they are used.
Q6. How do I choose the right platform?
• Decide based on the analyte, user requirements, and geographical constraints.
Q7. What are the regulatory requirements?
• Depends on the test developed and varies by region (FDA, CE, CDSCO); includes validation, clinical trials, and compliance.
Q8. How accurate are POU tests?
• When properly developed, their accuracy should not be less than standard lab tests, while also providing a faster turnaround time.
Q9. Can POU tests give quantitative results?
• Yes, some can provide precise readings if they are paired with an electronic reader (e.g., glucose meters), while most others are qualitative or semi-quantitative.
Q10. What is the shelf life of POU tests?
• Depends on the technology and the developer. A well-developed test will be stable at room temperature for 1 to 3 years.
Q11. What training is needed for POU tests?
• Minimal training for simple tests; advanced platforms may require brief training.
Q12. Can POU tests work in extreme conditions?
• Yes, many are designed for use in rugged environments and can sustain varying high temperature (37 - 45°C) and humidity conditions.
Q13. How can POU tests help underserved areas?
• By providing affordable, portable diagnostics for timely care in remote settings.
Q14. What are the costs of implementing POU tests?
• Includes device, test strips, maintenance, and training—often scalable for budgets.