The goal of the Point Of Care Technology Research Network is to develop technologies with clinical applications using a network model that enhances complementary strengths and builds multidisciplinary partnerships.

To achieve this, each POCTRN Center performs or facilitates five core functions:

• Conducts in-house clinical testing of prototype point-of-care devices
• Collaborates with physical, biochemical and computational scientists, and engineers on exploratory technology development projects
• Completes clinical needs assessments in areas anticipated to advance the field of point-of-care testing and disseminates this information to the technology development community
• Provides training to technology developers on clinical issues related to the development of point-of-care devices
• Provides an adequate administrative structure to ensure that the large complex Center achieves its goals

History

The NIBIB created POCTRN in 2007 after a NIH workshop and the subsequent article, "Improving Healthcare Accessibility through Point-of-Care Technologies", published in Clinical Chemistry that same year. It was created:

• To facilitate the development of a pipeline of point-of-care technologies with commercialization potential
• Utilizing a center structure that enables incorporation of clinical and user needs in the development process
• To provide expertise and resources to address early barriers to commercialization and implementation

Thus far, there have been 3 award cycles spanning 5 years each.

2007 Award Recipients

• Point-of-Care Center for Emerging Neurotechnologies, University of Cincinnati
• Center for Point-of-Care Technologies Research for Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Johns Hopkins University
• Center for Point-of-Care Technologies for Disaster Readiness, University of California, Davis
• Center to Advance POC Diagnostics for Global Health, Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH)

2012 Award Recipients

• Center for Point-of-Care Technologies Research for Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Johns Hopkins University
• Center for Innovation in Point of Care Technologies for the Future of Cancer Care, Boston University
• Point of Care Technology Research Center in Primary Care, CIMIT

2018 Award Recipients

• Atlanta Center for Microsystems Engineered Point-of-Care Technologies, Emory University
• Center for Point-of-Care Technologies Research for Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Johns Hopkins University
• Center for Innovation in Point of Care Technologies for HIV/AIDS at Northwestern, Northwestern University
• Center for Advancing Point of Care in Heart, Lung, Blood, and Sleep Diseases, UMass Medical School