A Glimpse Into Tomorrow of Point-of-Care Testing for Viral Respiratory Issues
Point-of-care testing plays a vital role in diagnosing and managing viral respiratory issues. Viral respiratory conditions can cause many infections and increase the mortality rate each year. According to the World Health Organization, “influenza alone causes 1 billion infections and half a million deaths annually due to respiratory complications” [1]. This highlights the pressing need for improved diagnostics for respiratory issues. Hence, the future of point-of-care testing for respiratory conditions holds great promise with the advancement of technology and the increasing demand for faster and more accessible tests.
Growth and Advancement of Point of Care Testing
The potential growth of the point-of-care testing market highlights the increasing recognition and demand for faster and more accessible diagnostic tools in the healthcare industry. According to Healthcare Transformers, the point-of-care testing market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.2% until 2029, with the global point-of-care diagnostics market expected to reach $51.94 billion by 2029 [3] [2]. Not only that, according to Fortune Business Insights, equipment to monitor blood glucose levels and tests for infectious diseases and cardiometabolic disease are currently the top three growth drivers” [3].This shows the growing demand for point-of-care testing kits that can aid diagnostics in various medical conditions.
Impact of Point of Care Testing
The widespread use of point-of-care testing during the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased awareness of their benefits. According to the multinational market research and consulting firm IPSOS, “as rapid tests become more sophisticated in terms of speed, quality, and connected health and artificial intelligence features, [healthcare providers] envision that they will become part of the routine diagnostic process” [4]. This highlights the growing recognition among healthcare professionals that POC testing has the potential to become an integral part of diagnostics in multiple therapy areas.
Let’s not forget the global scale of respiratory infections, particularly among children under five. In 2019 alone, there were approximately 42 million reported cases worldwide [7]. The burden of these infections is even more pronounced in developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where poor sanitation, limited access to clean water, inadequate hygiene practices, malnutrition, and low vaccination coverage exacerbate the challenges [7]. The impact of these conditions on respiratory health underscores the critical need for effective strategies to mitigate the consequences of respiratory infections in vulnerable populations.
Digital Technology and Future Innovations of Point of Care Testing
Innovations in digital technology have revolutionized point-of-care testing. The IPSOS report suggests that point-of-care testing can be easily carried out at home as patients use mobile apps and online software to record and share test results with their doctors [4]. Furthermore, wearable devices linked directly to physicians can provide real-time monitoring and facilitate immediate clinical intervention [6]. These reports demonstrate the potential of technological advancements in point-of-care testing, making them even more empowered and important for the healthcare system in the diagnostic process.
In conclusion, the future of point-of-care testing for viral respiratory issues holds tremendous potential in improving patient care. As the point-of-care testing market continues to grow and technology advances, it is expected that these tests will become more prevalent across various therapy areas, with the possibility of even becoming self-administered by patients, empowering both physicians and patients in the process [4]. This transformative trend in diagnostic practices holds great promise for the future of point-of-care testing, not only for viral respiratory illnesses but also for various other infectious diseases and beyond.
Advancing Point-of-Care Testing for Respiratory Infections with Artron
At Artron, we understand the growing demand for point-of-care testing tools that aid in diagnostics, and we offer convenient and efficient solutions for healthcare professionals. For instance, our HBV surface antigen test (HBsAg) is available in strip and cassette formats, suitable for whole blood, serum, or plasma specimens, with a sensitivity of 1ng/mL for rapid detection of HBV infections. Similarly, our tests for HCV, influenza A and B, and RSV provide fast and accurate results, enabling prompt diagnosis and appropriate patient management.
The future of point-of-care testing for viral respiratory issues holds tremendous potential in improving patient care. With the market’s projected growth, technological advancements, and Artron’s contributions, point-of-care testing will continue to play a significant role in the future of healthcare diagnostics. Artron’s dedication to enhancing respiratory infection diagnostics demonstrates our commitment to revolutionizing health testing and supporting global health initiatives.
References [1] Lee, J. J., Verbakel, J. Y., Goyder, C. R., Ananthakumar, T., Tan, P. S., Turner, P. J., Hayward, G., & Van den Bruel, A. (2019). The Clinical Utility of Point-of-Care Tests for Influenza in Ambulatory Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clinical infectious diseases: an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 69(1), 24–33. https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciy837 [2] Point of Care Diagnostics Market Size & Share Report [2029]. (n.d.). https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/point-of-care-diagnostics-market-101072 [3] Healthcare Transformers Insights. (2023, April 5). Retrieved from https://healthcaretransformers.com/digital-health/current-trends/poc-testing-potential/ [4] IPSOS. (2022). FUTURE OF POINT OF CARE & RAPID TESTING: A GLOBAL STUDY AMONG GPs, HOSPITAL DOCTORS & PHARMACISTS. Retrieved from https://www.ipsos.com/sites/default/files/ct/publication/documents/2022-03/Ipsos_Future%20of%20POC%20and%20Rapid%20Testing_March%202022.pdf [5] Price, C. (2001). Regular review: Point of care testing. BMJ, 322(7297), 1285–1288. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.322.7297.1285 [6] The future of point of care testing | Healthcare Transformers. (2023, February 28). The Number One. https://healthcaretransformers.com/healthcare-business/strategy-and-operations/future-of-point-of-care-testing/ [7] Derrick Nyantakyi Owusu and others, Prevalence and determinants of diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections among children aged under five years in West Africa: evidence from demographic and health surveys, International Health, 2023;, ihad046, https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihad046