Emerging Technologies for Fluorescence-Based Optical Test Strip Readers

Fluorescence-based optical test strip readers are used to detect and quantify fluorescent signals from immunoassay test strips in medicine, especially for point-of-care applications. The design of optical systems including light sources and detection systems in these devices is not only indispensable but also the most critical part for specific detection applications. This study aims to provide detailed information about fluorescence-based optical test strip readers, existing and emerging technologies, and their contributions to the design of the device. The most commonly used technologies of light sources and detection systems have been discussed and compared for the ideal design. Arc and Xenon lamps may not be appropriate for portable and low-cost devices as they are larger and more costly when compared to LEDs and laser diodes. Photodiodes and CMOS detectors can be used for the design of low-cost, portable fluorescence-based optical test strip readers as they are cheaper and smaller in size when compared to CCDs and PMTs. Both light source and detector should be chosen according to the application priorities and spectral characteristics of the fluorescent molecule by integrating them with proper optical elements like filters, mirrors, etc. This study contributes to the people who are interested in the design of fluorescence-based optical test strip readers as it serves as a guideline for the optical test strip reader systems.