What is IVD?

In vitro diagnostics (IVD) are tests or examinations conducted on samples retrieved from the human body such as blood or tissue samples.

In vitro”, meaning “in glass”, indicates that these tests are generally done using equipment like blood collection test tubes or petri dishes.

IVD is non-invasive and while some can be used in professional healthcare settings, others can be used at home by consumers.

Types of In Vitro Diagnostic Devices

There are 2 main types of IVD devices – laboratory-based tests and point-of-care tests.

Laboratory-based tests

For laboratory-based tests, samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis. Often, this is required for complex conditions like cancer, HIV and hepatitis.

Other examples of such tests and devices include:

--Blood grouping devices
--Human genetic tests
--Immunoassays
--Next-generation sequencing tests

Point-of-care tests

This type of test is performed at, or near to, the point of patient care. This allows for a quicker diagnosis and speeds up the treatment decision-making process.
In areas with little to no access to laboratory equipment and infrastructure, these point-of-care tests can help to improve patient care and reduce the cost of testing.
Examples of this type of test include:
--Blood glucose self-monitoring systems
--COVID-19 tests
--Pregnancy tests
--Urinalysis test strips

Benefits of In Vitro Diagnostics
IVD is used to monitor an individual’s overall health. It can detect and prevent diseases and other medical conditions;

it can also be used in precision medicine to identify the best course of treatment for certain patients.

Read on to understand the key benefits of IVD tests.

--Early detection of diseases
--Prevent the spread of diseases
--Improve patient care and management