Biosensors. a new analytic technology for real-time, on-line biochemical monitoring
Hunter, K.W.
American Journal of Clinical Pathology 91(4 Suppl 1: S32-S33
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9173 PMID: 2648807 Document Number: 330018
A new technology is evolving that has the potential of improving patient management while substantially reducing the overall cost of health care. This new technology is based on biosensors, analytic microelectronic devices that use biologic detector molecules (e.g., antibodies, enzymes, receptor proteins, lectins, nucleic acids) as the sensing or signal transducing elements. An array of different biosensor configurations are under development, spurred on by recent advances in biotechnology and solid-state electronics. Although not all biosensors can detect their target analytes instantaneously, nor perform continuous measurements, certain biosensors embody both capabilities. Real-time, on-line biochemical monitoring will offer important information heretofore unavailable to the physician. It is also inevitable that biosensor-based instruments will decentralize patient testing, but telemetric systems can maintain the active and necessary involvement of the clinical pathologist.