Point-of-Care Testing Devices for Heart Failure Analyzing Blood and Saliva Samples

IEEE Rev Biomed Eng. 2020:13:17-31. doi: 10.1109/RBME.2019.2905730. Epub 2019 Mar 18.

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is the most rapidly growing cardiovascular condition with an estimated prevalence of >37.7 million individuals globally. HF is associated with increased mortality and morbidity and confers a substantial burden, in terms of cost and quality of life, for the individuals and the healthcare systems, highlighting thus the need for early and accurate diagnosis of HF. The accuracy of HF diagnosis, severity estimation, and prediction of adverse events has improved by the utilization of blood tests measuring biomarkers. The contribution of biomarkers for HF management is intensified by the fact that they can be measured in short time at the point-of-care. This is allowed by the development of portable analytical devices, commonly known as point-of-care testing (POCT) devices, which exploit the advancements in the area of microfluidics and nanotechnology. The aim of this review paper is to present a review of POCT devices used for the measurement of biomarkers facilitating decision making when managing HF patients. The devices are either commercially available or in the form of prototypes under development. Both blood and saliva samples are considered. The challenges concerning the implementation of POCT devices and the barriers for their adoption in clinical practice are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Heart Failure* / blood
  • Heart Failure* / diagnosis
  • Heart Failure* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / analysis
  • Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / blood
  • Peptide Fragments / analysis
  • Peptide Fragments / blood
  • Point-of-Care Testing / standards*
  • Quality of Life
  • Saliva / chemistry*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Peptide Fragments
  • pro-brain natriuretic peptide (1-76)
  • Natriuretic Peptide, Brain