We recently developed a low-cost, handheld, LED-based thermal contrast assay (TCA) reader for colorimetric lateral flow assays (LFA). TCA utilizes the irradiation of LFAs and resulting temperature increases around the test line as a readout to approach ELISA sensitivities without the need for additional modalities or steps to increase sensitivity such as fluorescence or luminescence. TCA has until now been limited to more costly bench top readers for research use. The implementation of LED-based TCA allows a cheap, robust and easy approach to dramatically improve LFA diagnostics at the POC.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic rapidly changed our perspective on diagnostic testing. Riding this wave, major diagnostic companies are developing the next generation of diagnostic devices to be used in any office, by any person, for near-instant first-line diagnosis of abnormal health parameters that report on both host biomarkers and the presence of pathogens. In this talk, I will discuss the latest surge in diagnostic innovations relevant to achieving this goal.

Dr. Hassan's lab has developed a 3D-printed smartphone enabled fluorescence microscopy setup for point-of-care diagnostic applications. This hand-held setup can be easily used to image cells of interest or other micro-nanoparticles used in biomedical assays. The setup is user-friendly and can be easily adaptable to different diagnostic applications.

• What are some current trends you are seeing in the point-of-care space?
• In a post-pandemic world, is the push to OTC still progressing, or has it slowed down?
• What are the next big diagnostics to hit the point-of-care market?

• The use of AI/algorithms for results interpretation on point-of-care devices
  
• Reagent-free point-of-care diagnostics
• New biosensors (e.g., graphene-based)
• At-home sample collection, mail-in vs. at-home testing: which one is the future?

COVID-19 demonstrated that home point-of-care testing (POCT) can be a viable testing strategy for conditions of interest. Patients want to take an active role in their health care and home POCT can give them the tools they need to make informed decisions regarding their health. Unfortunately, use of home POCT without guidance may create confusion and frustration. During this session, models of care that integrated home POCT will be discussed.

Not all solutions need the use of handhelds or connected apps. An inside view on how RT MicroDx found a way to address the testing market by developing a simple solution that allows for easy and affordable access to diagnostics.

Digital health solutions (DHS) continue to develop, in both numbers and capabilities. They have a wide range of uses, from general wellness, to applications with a medical purpose. DHS’s have a major role to play in the effective delivery and management of POC testing services. Robust evidence of safety, efficacy, and value will drive greater adoption. Here, we discuss the unique challenges for evaluations and specific POC use cases.

Community pharmacies are the most accessible healthcare destination in the U.S. and are uniquely positioned to provide POC testing services during a pandemic and beyond. Technology that automates the clinical workflow process has enabled pharmacies to scale these services for current and future public health needs. Additionally, interoperability initiatives are underway that will solidify the pharmacist’s role in team-based care, while ensuring bi-directional exchange of information and continuity of care. 

Point-of-care testing in pharmacies and other decentralized settings has increased patient access to care. As the number and types of tests performed in pharmacies increases, including for chronic disease management, it becomes more important to seamlessly integrate test results obtained in the pharmacy with a patient's electronic medical record. An opportunity exists for diagnostics companies and pharmacies to collaborate on digital technologies to support this integration. This session will discuss how diagnostic testing and pharmacies can work together to develop solutions connecting pharmacy-based testing results with other members of the healthcare system.

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the pace at which point-of-care (POC) testing is being adopted in the community pharmacy setting. Increasing numbers of community pharmacies are interested in developing their POC test and treat programs, including large pharmacy chains, as the US increasingly looks to this setting as a public health destination. We will discuss where pharmacy is now in terms of service offerings, and also where is it going in the future.