APPLICATIONS
Microfluidics in Point-of-Care Diagnostics
Point-of-care diagnostics bring testing to the patient — at the bedside, in a clinic, pharmacy or the field — instead of sending samples to a central lab. Microfluidics is the technology that makes many of these fast, compact tests possible. Here is how.
What is point-of-care testing?
Point-of-care (POC) testing delivers a diagnostic result close to the patient and quickly, without a central laboratory. Microfluidic lab-on-a-chip devices make this possible by automating sample handling — metering, mixing, reacting and detecting — inside a small disposable cartridge.
Why microfluidics suits POC
- Tiny sample volumes — a finger-prick of blood or a swab is enough.
- Integrated steps — sample prep through detection on one chip, so minimally trained users can run it.
- Speed — short diffusion distances give results in minutes.
- Low cost at volume — thermoplastic chips can be mass-produced by injection moulding.
Common formats
- Lateral-flow tests — capillary-driven paper strips (e.g. pregnancy and rapid antigen tests); the simplest microfluidics, needing no pump.
- Microfluidic cartridges — rigid plastic chips that automate multi-step molecular or immunoassays, read by a small instrument.
- Centrifugal "lab-on-a-disc" — discs that move fluid by spinning.
Design considerations
POC devices must be robust, easy to use and cheap. Key choices include the material (often optically clear COC or COP for low autofluorescence), capillary versus pump-driven flow, on-chip reagent storage and stability, and how the result is detected and read out. For sterile clinical products, packaging and sterilisation matter too — see our manufacturing services.
From prototype to product
A POC programme typically prototypes quickly (3D printing, CNC, PDMS), validates in the production material, then scales by injection moulding in a cleanroom under ISO 13485. We cover this path in custom microfluidics from prototype to scale.
Frequently asked questions
What is point-of-care diagnostics?
Testing performed near the patient that returns results quickly, without sending samples to a central lab. Microfluidic cartridges and lateral-flow tests are common formats.
How does microfluidics help point-of-care testing?
It automates sample preparation, reaction and detection inside a small disposable chip, so tests are fast, need little sample, and can be run by non-specialists.
Is a lateral-flow test microfluidics?
Yes — lateral-flow strips use capillary action to move fluid through a porous membrane, the simplest form of microfluidics.
What materials are used for diagnostic cartridges?
Optically clear thermoplastics such as COC, COP and PMMA are common because they are mass-manufacturable and suited to optical detection.
Sample to answer, at scale
Developing a diagnostic cartridge?
Upload your design for a written quote, or book a call to talk through materials, cleanroom moulding and sterile packaging.
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