In the past two years, molecular POCT devices have remained highly popular in the field of infectious disease detection, with a continuous emergence of corresponding technologies. In terms of detection consumable formats, there are disc-type, card-type, cassette-type, and others. In terms of technical features, there are fully enclosed designs, ultra-fast heating/cooling modules, ultra-multiplex fluorescent units, and more — a true display of diverse and advanced technologies.

However, to ensure detection accuracy and operational convenience, molecular POCT devices adopt a highly integrated design, usually using closed platforms and more expensive dedicated consumables. This not only limits the number of detectable items but also inevitably increases manufacturers’ costs. So why should we still choose molecular POCT devices?

Features of Molecular POCT Products

Point-of-Care Testing

Molecular POCT (Point-of-Care Testing) devices are often confused with automated molecular workstations, but there are significant differences between them. A qualified molecular POCT product should mainly have the following characteristics:

Contamination Prevention

As a device operable outside professional laboratories, molecular POCT must avoid cross-contamination from amplification product aerosols or between samples even in non-laboratory environments without negative pressure, preventing false-positive results.

Simple Operation

Ultra-simple operation has long been pursued by molecular testing professionals. A highly integrated molecular POCT device should be as easy to use as lateral flow immunoassays, requiring no additional supporting equipment. Only simple sample addition is needed to complete the test, lowering skill requirements so that non-professionals can use it after basic training.

Shorter TAT (Turn-Around Time)

After adopting dedicated amplification consumables, most molecular POCT devices greatly shorten amplification time. For POCT devices, however, TAT refers not only to instrument runtime but also to the entire process including sample collection, transportation, reception, manual handling, loading, and result reporting. Excellent molecular POCT devices compress the full workflow for even faster detection.

Application Scenarios of Molecular POCT Products

Point-of-Care Testing

Although no product is perfect, molecular POCT products can shine brilliantly in the following application scenarios thanks to their unique advantages.

01. ICU Bedside

The primary application of molecular POCT is undoubtedly bedside diagnosis, especially in ICUs. ICU patients require extremely short TAT — every second counts (e.g., in sepsis). Earlier diagnostic results allow physicians to make timely treatment decisions, benefiting patients sooner.

02. Emergency & Outpatient Laboratories

Emergency and outpatient departments share similar high TAT requirements. Most outpatients accept a waiting time within 2 hours. Unlike inpatient departments, samples arrive continuously rather than in batches, requiring independent, on-demand testing devices for small but steady sample volumes.

03. Primary Medical Institutions

With the promotion of hierarchical diagnosis and treatment, improving diagnostic capacity at the primary level has become increasingly important. However, molecular and microbiological tests require professional laboratories, equipment, and personnel, meaning significant investment. There is a strong demand for easy-to-operate, low-cost, reliable integrated devices that maintain accuracy even outside professional labs and with minimally trained staff.

04. Detection of Highly Pathogenic Infectious Samples

Testing of highly pathogenic infectious samples is normally performed in biosafety laboratories with appropriate safety levels, with staff wearing full protective equipment. However, in general or under-resourced hospitals, unknown sample testing often lacks comprehensive protection, exposing operators to infection risks. Fully enclosed molecular POCT devices minimize human-sample contact and cap-opening times, maximizing operator safety.

05. Understaffed Departments

Many hospitals lack sufficient laboratory staff, with technicians often managing multiple tests simultaneously. Excessive manual steps consume too much time; overly complex procedures may even prevent test implementation. Molecular POCT devices are designed to minimize manual handling. Technicians only need to add samples and review reports; all other steps are automated, greatly reducing workload and freeing up staff.

Rocgene iFIND

Fully Automatic Integrated Nucleic Acid Detection System

The iFIND system launched by Rocgene is a highly integrated, fully automatic integrated nucleic acid detection system. iFIND achieves internationally advanced performance in ease of use, sample utilization, speed, multiplex detection, temperature uniformity, and accuracy. Users only need one-step sample addition to start testing, with no cap-opening or manual intervention throughout the process — convenient and safe. Paired with fully enclosed contamination‑proof cartridges, it effectively ensures operator safety and result accuracy.