Application of Point-of-Care Testing in Viral, Bacterial, and Fungal Infections: A Comprehensive Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65336/WJAMS.2026.3303Keywords:
Point-of-care testing, POCT, Rapid diagnostics, Molecular diagnostics, Immunoassays, BiosensorsAbstract
Point-of-care testing (POCT) has emerged as a transformative approach in the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases, offering rapid, accurate, and decentralized detection of pathogens at or near the site of patient care. This review evaluates the applications of POCT in viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections, highlighting its role in accelerating clinical decision-making and improving patient outcomes. POCT platforms utilize diverse principles, including immunoassays, nucleic acid amplification, and biosensor-based detection, enabling detection from minimal sample volumes with minimal technical expertise. In viral infections, POCT facilitates early detection and outbreak control, exemplified by COVID-19, influenza, dengue, and HIV diagnostics. In bacterial infections, rapid antigen and molecular assays support early pathogen identification, detect drug-resistant infections and critical conditions such as bacteriemia, Septicemia and its management . Fungal and parasitic POCT provide timely bedside diagnosis in immunocompromised patients and enhancing therapeutic interventions and reducing morbidity. Despite advantages such as rapid turnaround time, portability, and ease of use, POCT faces challenges in sensitivity, specificity, cost, and standardization. Ongoing technological innovations, including multiplex assays, microfluidics, CRISPR-based detection, and integrated biosensors, are expanding its diagnostic capabilities and accessibility. Overall, POCT represents a dynamic and evolving tool in modern clinical microbiology, with significant potential to improve infectious disease management across diverse healthcare settings.
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