The article reviews the current status and future prospects of point-of-care (POC) diagnostics, which are in vitro diagnostic tests that do not require laboratory staff or facilities to provide results. These tests analyze a wide range of targets, including proteins, nucleic acids, metabolites, drugs, dissolved ions and gases, human cells, and microbes. Samples are typically blood, saliva, urine, or other bodily fluids or (semi)solids. POC tests provide results quickly, often in seconds to hours, with minimal sample preparation. They require only basic instruction to use and can detect multiple analytes or markers. Interpretation can be as simple as viewing a color change on a strip of paper or polymer, or using more advanced readers like hand-held devices or benchtop instruments. POC diagnostics are challenged by small sample volumes and complex biological media with low concentrations of analytes. They require inexpensive disposable chips or cartridges with microfluidic features to provide or control sample preparation, flow rate, mixing with reagents, reaction time, filtration, separation, and effective measurement capability. Recent developments include advances in technology, reliable measurement targets, and enabling technologies such as printing and laminating, microfluidic technologies, and surface chemistry. These technologies have enabled the development of POC devices that can detect a wide range of targets, including proteins, nucleic acids, and small molecules. POC diagnostics have been extensively reviewed in recent years, from the points of view of both use and development. The reviews have included coverage of micrototal analysis systems, miniaturized isothermal nucleic acid amplification, and molecular biological techniques for gene assay, current and anticipated technology for POC infection diagnosis, and microfluidic-based systems leading toward point-of-care detection of nucleic acids and proteins. Developments in this area include not only technology but also reliable measurement targets, which in some important areas remain elusive. The article also discusses the importance of POC diagnostics in improving patient compliance, reducing hospital visits, and providing rapid results that can be life-saving. It highlights the challenges of POC diagnostics, including the need for accurate and reliable results, and the importance of proper training and management systems to ensure that patients receive reliable devices and readout training. The article concludes with a discussion of the future of POC diagnostics, including the potential for multiparameter assays, the importance of noninvasive testing, and the need for continued research and development in this field.The article reviews the current status and future prospects of point-of-care (POC) diagnostics, which are in vitro diagnostic tests that do not require laboratory staff or facilities to provide results. These tests analyze a wide range of targets, including proteins, nucleic acids, metabolites, drugs, dissolved ions and gases, human cells, and microbes. Samples are typically blood, saliva, urine, or other bodily fluids or (semi)solids. POC tests provide results quickly, often in seconds to hours, with minimal sample preparation. They require only basic instruction to use and can detect multiple analytes or markers. Interpretation can be as simple as viewing a color change on a strip of paper or polymer, or using more advanced readers like hand-held devices or benchtop instruments. POC diagnostics are challenged by small sample volumes and complex biological media with low concentrations of analytes. They require inexpensive disposable chips or cartridges with microfluidic features to provide or control sample preparation, flow rate, mixing with reagents, reaction time, filtration, separation, and effective measurement capability. Recent developments include advances in technology, reliable measurement targets, and enabling technologies such as printing and laminating, microfluidic technologies, and surface chemistry. These technologies have enabled the development of POC devices that can detect a wide range of targets, including proteins, nucleic acids, and small molecules. POC diagnostics have been extensively reviewed in recent years, from the points of view of both use and development. The reviews have included coverage of micrototal analysis systems, miniaturized isothermal nucleic acid amplification, and molecular biological techniques for gene assay, current and anticipated technology for POC infection diagnosis, and microfluidic-based systems leading toward point-of-care detection of nucleic acids and proteins. Developments in this area include not only technology but also reliable measurement targets, which in some important areas remain elusive. The article also discusses the importance of POC diagnostics in improving patient compliance, reducing hospital visits, and providing rapid results that can be life-saving. It highlights the challenges of POC diagnostics, including the need for accurate and reliable results, and the importance of proper training and management systems to ensure that patients receive reliable devices and readout training. The article concludes with a discussion of the future of POC diagnostics, including the potential for multiparameter assays, the importance of noninvasive testing, and the need for continued research and development in this field.