In Vitro Diagnostic Industry in China - POCT II

Technical Platform

POCT technology has gradually evolved from classical immunochromatography to more sensitive platforms hosting multiple detection technologies, such as luminescence and molecular detection. 

1. Immunochromatographic Techniques

Depending on the marker used, immunochromatography includes colloidal gold immunochromatography, fluorescence immunochromatography, and others. In recent years, with the emergence of new markers such as colored latex, aptamers, nanoenzymes, and carbon nanotubes, the performance of immunochromatography has improved. Among these novel markers, fluorescent substances, such as fluorescein, quantum dots, and up-conversion nanoparticles, not only retain the advantages of on-site rapid detection by immunochromatography but also allow highly sensitive fluorescence detection; thus, they are widely applied to the detection of cardiac markers and infectious disease indicators.

Colloidal gold immunochromatographic techniques use gold as a marker to qualitatively detect or semiquantitatively analyze a target object through band color development. This does not need to be matched with special equipment, can be used to detect many kinds of samples, and can be performed by a single person. This method is mainly used for pregnancy testing and rapid detection of infectious diseases. It is particularly suitable for emergency, on-site, and home self-testing. Future directions of colloidal gold immunochromatography include quantification, improved sensitivity, multi-assay, and lessening the environmental impact.

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