Application
Point of Care Tests
Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) is transforming diagnostics by providing real-time test results where patient care happens. From lateral flow assays to cartridge-based molecular diagnostics, POCT eliminates the need for centralized lab testing. Hamilton’s dispensing technologies support the production of miniaturized sensors and rapid diagnostics by enabling precise, nanoliter-scale liquid deposition on virtually any substrate. Camera-based Quality Control (QC) ensures reproducibility and manufacturing confidence.
POCT delivers rapid diagnostics at the point of care, reducing delays from central lab testing. They support urgent decisions, chronic care, and accessible testing across healthcare, pharmacy, and home.
- Hospitals and emergency care use POCT to support urgent decisions. Common tests include heart markers, oxygen levels (blood gases), antibiotic susceptibility testing, and clot risks (D-dimer).
- Clinics and physician offices rely on POCT for immunoassays, cholesterol, and blood glucose monitoring.
- Pharmacies provide rapid tests for infections, flu, and pregnancy.
- At home, POCT supports blood sugar tracking and chronic care.
- Remote settings benefit from portable POCT where labs are not available.
How Hamilton Supports Point of Care Test Workflows
Hamilton POCT manufacturing solutions support the reliable production of rapid diagnostic tests with real-time results. These systems enhance applications such as glucose monitoring and streamlining laboratory workflows. Advances in microfluidic integration and precision liquid handling improve assay accuracy and production efficiency.
The BIOSPOT DX enables non-contact dispensing from picoliter to microliter volumes with camera-based QC and drop-on-demand workflows. BIOSPOT ARC offers the same precision on a smaller scale for R&D and academic labs.
All components, dispensers, vision systems, and software are also available as OEM modules, scalable to your production needs.
The structured coating workflow includes substrate ionization with IONIZER to neutralize electrostatic charge. Automatic alignment and offset correction are handled by TOPVIEW. SMARTDROP performs droplet calibration, while PIPEJET provides precision dispensing. The process ends with final visual QC via TOPVIEW.
Explore Our Point of Care Testing Solutions and Applications in Detail
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Automated workstation
BIOSPOT® DX
A flexible spotting platform designed to dispense ultra-low volumes onto virtually any substrate, ideal for biosensors, lateral flow assays, microfluidic devices, and diagnostic chip manufacturing.
Automated workstation
BIOSPOT® ARC
Compact benchtop dispenser for R&D labs, supports up to 2 channels and either 2 microplates or a 190×130 mm flat deck for early-stage assay testing.
OEM Microfluidic Technology
PIPEJET® Nano Dispenser
Non-contact, drop-on-demand dispenser for nanoliter volumes using piezo-actuated polymer tips, perfect for precision across a wide range of viscosities in your workflows.
Good to Know About Point of Care Testing
This section provides a selection of additional resources related to the application described on this page. It includes helpful articles, videos, and blogs that offer deeper insights into the topic.
Scientific Articles
Peer-reviewed journal publications that feature Hamilton products, demonstrating their use in real-world research and application
| Quesada-González, D., Stefani, C., González, I., de la Escosura-Muñiz, A., Domingo, N., Mutjé, P., & Merkoçi, A. (2019). Signal enhancement on gold nanoparticle-based lateral flow tests using cellulose nanofibers. Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 141, 111407. | Read Article |
| Quesada-González, D., Jairo, G. A., Blake II, R. C., Blake, D. A., & Merkoçi, A. (2018). Uranium (VI) detection in groundwater using a gold nanoparticle/paper-based lateral flow device. Scientific Reports, 8, Article 16157. | Read Article |
Hamilton Products in Action
A collection of videos showcasing Hamilton products in use, providing practical insights into their functionality and benefits.
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Solutions for Top 3 Challenges in Point of Care Testing
Non-Standardized Formats
Challenge: Microfluidic POCT devices come in many non-standard shapes, unlike SBS-format plates. Their capillary-driven structures and micron-sized chambers require precise, localized reagent deposition to ensure reliable diagnostic testing.
Solution: The BIOSPOT DX platform offers unmatched flexibility for non-contact dispensing onto nearly any substrate. With Dispense-on-Target and TOPVIEW camera-based recognition, users can define exact drop locations, making it easy to adapt to new device formats. Paired with robust software and automation, BIOSPOT DX streamlines the path from prototype to production.
Accuracy and Reliability
Challenge: Consistency in point-of-care tests is critical when detecting low-abundance analytes or performing multiplex assays. Traditional methods often create variation, especially with small volumes or viscous biological samples.
Solution: Hamilton’s PIPEJET technology dispenses precise volumes from 2 to 70 nL with auto-calibration and <3% CV, even for viscous or high-protein solutions. With SMARTDROP for droplet verification and TOPVIEW for positional QC, this system provides reproducible, traceable results for diagnostic applications like glucose monitoring and lab-on-a-chip devices.
High-Volume Production
Challenge: POCTs are disposable and mass-produced. Manufacturers require fast and accurate reagent deposition on an industrial scale, without compromising on traceability or quality.
Solution: Hamilton’s dispensing technologies—including PIPEJET, SMARTDROP, and TOPVIEW—are fully scalable and available as OEM modules. From standalone platforms like BIOSPOT DX to automated manufacturing lines, our components deliver high-throughput performance with sub-micron accuracy. For clinical R&D or industrial production, Hamilton enables efficient workflows that bridge the gap between innovation and large-scale manufacturing.
What Is the Point of Care Testing for Glucose Monitoring?
POC glucose testing is used to quickly measure blood sugar levels in hospitals, clinics, or at home. It provides immediate results from a small blood sample, helping healthcare providers and patients make fast decisions about diabetes management, insulin dosing, and the treatment of conditions like hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. It’s especially valuable in emergency and critical care situations where timely glucose monitoring is essential.
Modern blood glucose monitoring devices often rely on microfluidics and test strip technology to produce accurate readings with minimal sample volumes. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems expand this approach by providing real-time, ongoing data, which is valuable for individuals with diabetes who require precise and frequent updates on their glucose levels.
POC glucose testing is also part of broader diagnostic testing workflows, supporting early detection of blood sugar fluctuations and improving overall treatment plans for conditions such as type 2 diabetes. By reducing the need for centralized laboratory testing, these point-of-care tests improve patient outcomes, lower costs, and enhance accessibility in both clinical and remote settings.
Other Point of Care Tests Resources
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
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