The grand point-of-care challenge

The 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia and Hurricane Katrina showed that point-of-care testing (POCT) was both needed and feasible in acute disaster response and follow-up recovery. However, POCT devices made for routine clinical use and the consumer market are not adequate for disaster conditions. We explain the rationale for developing field-robust point-of-care devices and durable single unit-use tests in the context of 3 "wishes." Then, we challenge inventors, innovators, and industry to produce POCT devices and reagents that will meet the needs of rural emergencies and disaster care to improve preparedness in the United States and other countries worldwide. We call this "The Grand Point-of-Care Challenge."