This article discusses how point-of-care testing (POCT) technology can improve maternal and child healthcare services by providing fast and reliable diagnostic results, leading to better care and outcomes. POCT can be used to diagnose and manage various conditions such as infectious diseases, anemia, and gestational diabetes. It can also improve access to healthcare services for remote and underserved areas.The use of POCT can prevent complications such as premature delivery and low birth weight, ultimately leading to better maternal and child health outcomes....

Maternal and child health are among the top priorities in healthcare. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 830 women die every day from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth, and approximately 7,000 newborns die daily, mostly from preventable causes. To address this issue, healthcare providers need to have access to accurate and timely information to provide the best care possible. Point-of-care testing (POCT) technology can help improve maternal and child health services by providing fast and reliable diagnostic results, leading to better treatment and outcomes.

POCT is a diagnostic testing system that allows healthcare providers to obtain real-time test results within minutes, without the need for complex and expensive laboratory equipment. This technology can be used to test for a wide range of conditions, including infectious diseases, anemia, and gestational diabetes. By providing results at the point of care, POCT technology can help healthcare providers make informed decisions about treatment and management, leading to better patient outcomes.

One example of POCT technology being used to improve maternal and child health is the use of rapid HIV tests during pregnancy. In countries with high HIV prevalence rates, such as sub-Saharan Africa, rapid HIV tests can be used to identify pregnant women who are HIV-positive and provide them with appropriate antiretroviral treatment. This can significantly reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, leading to better health outcomes for both the mother and child.

POCT technology can also be used to diagnose and manage other conditions that affect maternal and child health, such as anemia. Anemia is a common condition during pregnancy that can lead to complications such as preterm delivery and low birth weight. By using POCT technology to diagnose anemia, healthcare providers can provide timely treatment and management to prevent these complications and improve maternal and child health outcomes.

In addition to improving diagnostic capabilities, POCT technology can also improve access to care for mothers and children in remote and underserved areas. By providing testing at the point of care, healthcare providers can diagnose and treat conditions without the need for patients to travel long distances to a laboratory or hospital. This can improve patient compliance with treatment and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.

In conclusion, POCT technology has the potential to significantly improve maternal and child health services by providing fast and reliable diagnostic results, leading to better treatment and outcomes. By using POCT technology to diagnose and manage conditions such as HIV and anemia, healthcare providers can improve the health of mothers and children around the world.

Here are the Point-of-Care Test products owned by PT Isotekindo Intertama. They come in various types and functions that can help you easily monitor your health independently at home.

• For blood sugar monitoring (single parameter), PT Isotekindo Intertama has 2 types of devices: 

1. 1. GlucoSure AutoCode Blood Glucose Monitoring System is a unique auto-coding blood glucose monitoring system that automatically selects the best calibration every time a test strip is inserted. 
   2. GlucoSure STAR Blood Glucose Monitoring System is a full-featured blood glucose monitoring system that needs a very small sample volume to test and provides greater comfort and a choice of different testing sites (palm, forearm, and finger).

• For hemoglobin screening, PT Isotekindo Intertama has a flagship product HemoSmart GOLD Hemoglobin Screening Meter. Offers a quick and easy way to measure hemoglobin levels and is the world's first biosensor-based palm-sized hemoglobin testing system. One of the strip-based testing methods offers ease of use and portability and requires only 1μL of blood. 
• For uric acid monitoring, PT Isotekindo Intertama has UASure II Blood Uric Acid Monitoring System that employs advanced biosensor technology and is the first hand-held system for both healthcare professionals and individual users with the convenience of a portable device and easy operation for blood uric acid self-monitoring. This is the 2nd generation of UA Sure products.

Isotekindo also has devices that can measure multiple parameters in one device, including:

• MULTICAREIN Meter (Glucose, Cholesterol and Triglycerides)

Altered blood parameters such as high blood glucose, high serum cholesterol, and high serum triglycerides may define a clinical condition known as METABOLIC SYNDROME which can increase CARDIOVASCULAR RISK. 

• MultiSure GK Blood Glucose Test and Ketone Meter (Glucose and Ketone)

Offer a fast and easy way to test for glucose and ketone bodies in the blood using separate test strips and determine the immediate risk for DKA (Diabetic Keto Acidosis).

• MultiSure™ GCTU Monitoring System (Glucose, Cholesterol, Triglycerides and Uric Acid)

A 4-in-1 inspection system that can check blood sugar, cholesterol, triglyceride, and uric acid levels in one device. Suitable for use by those of you who routinely carry out examinations to monitor the body's metabolic functions, as well as those who are carrying out treatment related to metabolic disorders.