Modern Point of Care Diagnostics: "Decentralization is key to success"

The COVID-19 pandemic has set off a boom in point-of-care diagnostics. But where is diagnostic testing headed and how much will digital technologies come into play? Felix Kurth answered these and other questions in an interview. The biosystems engineer works at CSEM – a Swiss technology innovation center.

You were a speaker at COMPAMED 2022 and presented "Advanced Digital Technologies in Point of Care Diagnostics" at the HIGH-TECH FORUM. Can you give us an overview of your lecture’s main points?

Felix Kurth: My lecture highlighted examples in which printed electronics can enable more accurate point-of-care diagnostic testing, since they facilitate a more sensitive and - especially digital - quantitative assessment of analytes. Various urinalysis applications also underscored the promise of preventive diagnostics. More precise quantitative measurements of several parameters simultaneously can provide a better anamnesis. This makes it possible to diagnose the disease at an early stage and not just when the patient exhibits (strong) symptoms.

Which technologies or processes will advance PoC diagnostics in your opinion?

Kurth: One of them is low-cost tests that allow the public to self-test as is the case with at-home COVID test kits. Another technology are tests that enable a quantitative assessment. For both, decentralization is key to success. Optical analytics, combined with reading and analysis by the smartphone camera or a small portable reader module, has the potential to further expand decentralized diagnostics. Once the readout units become more affordable, electrochemical sensors can also play a role in this setting. Both technologies will progressively benefit from AI, especially as it pertains to data analysis and data interpretation.

Do you think the COVID-19 pandemic has boosted the development of PoC diagnostics?

Kurth: Yes, in every way.

The CSEM is a research and technology center. What are the biggest medical technology trends at the moment?

Kurth: There is a wide variety, with “personalized medicine” being a strong trend. There are a range of technology components in this setting, starting with wearables with optical or electronic readout to biochemical or electrochemical analysis. All technologies that can deliver important clinical data enable a highly differentiated and accurate picture of health or disease.

There is also a tremendous push towards patient-focused drug development in medical technology. This necessitates different types of technologies for in vitro models.

These are just two examples of many.

CSEM also had a booth at the trade fair. How was your COMPAMED experience?

Kurth: For years, CSEM has hosted a booth in the “wearables” section. Visitors also have access to all other pertinent technologies CSEM engineers are developing. Compared to the previous year, we have generally seen a significant increase in inquiries and responses.

Apart from that, it’s always important for us to connect with companies that we are already acquainted with and to meet those we don’t know yet. This allows us to spot trends early and set the course for our internal technology development.