ReviewJournal of biomedical optics2026
Biophotonics point-of-care diagnostics in low-resource settings: a South African perspective.
Review in Journal of biomedical optics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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0 citing papers in PubMed.
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Authors and funding
7 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Significance: Point-of-care (POC) diagnostics based on photonics and biophotonics technologies hold transformative potential for healthcare delivery in peri-urban and underdeveloped settings, combining optical sensitivity with portability, rapid readout, and minimal consumable requirements. Aim: We aim to synthesize design considerations and recent advances that align photonics-based POC devices with the World Health Organization's ASSURED/REASSURED framework, emphasizing affordability, sensitivity, ease of use, rapidity, robustness, equipment-free operation where possible, deliverability, and the added priorities of real-time connectivity and environmental sustainability. Approach: We examine implementation evidence from sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting gaps in field validation, quality assurance, and sustainability identified by recent scoping reviews, as well as the persistent need for context-adapted usability and training strategies. Advances covered include miniaturized optical biosensors (fluorescence, Raman, and photothermal modalities), smartphone-integrated microscopy and spectroscopy, low-cost LASER/LED illumination systems, and multiplexed lateral-flow/optical hybrids, all tailored for low-resource constraints. Results: We discuss how digitization and connected diagnostics (including data standards, mobile health integration, and secure cloud reporting) amplify clinical impact, enable surveillance, and support task-shifting in primary care, aligning with South Africa's National Digital Health Strategy. We also survey regional innovation capacity, with examples of locally focused development and prototyping that demonstrate pathways to regional manufacturing and deployment. Conclusions: We conclude with recommendations for regulatory-science partnerships, human-centred design, interoperable digital pipelines, and investment in field-based validation and manufacturing to translate photonics innovations into resilient, equitable POC solutions across South Africa and the wider sub-Saharan context.
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Registered trials
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