Innovation within the laboratory is essential for the development of new and better tests. Innovative solutions also ensure that laboratory diagnostics are even better embedded in the care process and that patients can obtain the necessary diagnostics at the time and place that suits them best.
The focus of Le's research is on making optimal use of technological advances in laboratories in order to arrive at more efficient diagnostics.
Point-of-Care Testing
A specific trend in diagnostics is point-of-care testing (POCT). POCT means that in some cases laboratory tests can take place directly next to the bed or at the patient's home. Patients get the diagnostics they need at the most convenient place and time. This is particularly useful for seriously ill patients who require acute care, as a doctor can act immediately. For chronically ill patients, this means that in some cases the diagnostics can be done at home. This avoids time-consuming and costly hospital visits. It also gives patients more control over their own treatment process.
Healthy people also benefit from the use of POCT. They can (in the future) monitor themselves with POCT, so that they can identify any diseases at an early stage. In order to realise these applications and still guarantee the necessary quality and safety, innovation is needed that must also be broadly supported within the care process.
Research programme
The research group Lab Innovation and Point-of-Care Testing is part of the research programme Healthcare Innovation with Technology of Research Centre Innovations in Care.