Build-in sensors and analysis algorithms aided smartphone-based sensors for point-of-care tests

Abstract

Over the last few years, smartphone-based sensors present a rapid development in the field of point-of-care (POC) testing owing to the properties of ubiquity and convenience. Considering the test accuracy and sensitivity, kinds of external devices were equipped on smartphones for a better on-site medical diagnosis. However, some devices were not easily fabricated or obtained. The compatibility and practicality of the equipped devices may often be overlooked in the process of application. This review pays attention to the application of smartphone independent detections for the POC testing, especially in the cases that were performed only by build-in sensors and analysis algorithms of smartphones, as well as some universal and compatible tools. Four types of build-in sensor systems, including optical sensors, sound sensors, electrochemical sensors, and other sensors, were mainly introduced to improve the public cognition and understanding of smartphone sensors. At last, a brief perspective on scientific challenges and prospects was discussed, aiming to open new ways for exploiting smartphone-based POC or home healthcare.

Keywords

• Smartphone-based sensors
• Smartphone independent detection
• Practicality
• POC testing