Point-of-care testing for infectious diseases

In a recent Q&A interview with Clearstate’s global managing director, Ivy Teh, we talked about the future of point-of-care testing (POCT) and other opportunities in the global market for testing of other infectious diseases.

Question: The pandemic brought new opportunities for POCT with covid screening of sports players prior to practice, screening event and concert attendees prior to entrance and travel clinics for testing passengers prior to international travel. Do you see other opportunities in the global market for testing of other infectious diseases?

Ivy Teh: We’ve done projects where toxicology is increasing in corporations e.g. mining companies, industrial manufacturing and even maritime companies (shipping companies for sailors/staff). These companies test for drug abuse, STI and other infectious diseases. 

As their teams are usually in isolated or rural areas, there is a need for continuous testing to ensure their safety on their jobs. As governments input more industry requirements, these types of point-of-care testing will rise in the future.

We can also expect an increase of point-of-care drug testing in schools and universities, as these are becoming much more prevalent.

Overall, point-of-care testing is a powerful tool that has the potential to improve healthcare delivery in a number of ways. As point-of-care testing technology continues to advance, it is likely to play an even greater role in the future.

Read the full interview ‘point-of-care testing: promises and challenges’ here.