Point-of-care technologies (POCT), defined as “the testing performed near
or at the site of a patient with the result leading to a possible change in the care of the
patient” by ISO 22870:2006, are transforming the healthcare system. With the growing
global aging population, healthcare cost is becoming a huge burden for human society.
IVD/POCT sensors can play an important role in alleviating this urgent social issue.
First, they provide medical test and even therapy near the patient, saving the time and
cost for commuting to hospitals. Second, with more frequent and even continuously
test, more precise and even earlier diagnosis can be achieved, which further reduces the
required treatment and gives doctors more information to determine more appropriate
therapies. POCT sensors demand miniaturized devices and cheaper equipment.
Micro/nanofabrication uses mass-production manufacturing methods to produce
miniaturized sensors, which later can be packaged and fitted into a small equipment
[1]. In this chapter, we will introduce the main microfabrication and nanofabrication
techniques for POCT sensors.
Keywords: Etching, IVD/POCT biosensors, Microfabrication, Micro-Electro-
Mechanical Systems (MEMS), Nanofabrication.