Clinical utility of point-of-care biosensors for diagnosing chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant global health concern characterized by a progressive decline in kidney function that often leads to severe complications and increased mortality. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and mitigation of CKD progression; however, traditional diagnostic methods are often invasive, time-consuming, and require centralized laboratory analysis, hindering timely intervention. Point-of-care (POC) biosensors offer a promising solution by enabling rapid, decentralized testing near the patient, thus facilitating early detection, continuous monitoring, and personalized treatment strategies. This narrative review explores the clinical utility of POC biosensors for CKD diagnosis, examining their design, application, and performance in detecting key CKD biomarkers. We discuss various biosensor technologies, including electrochemical, fluorescent, and colorimetric sensors, and innovative platforms such as lateral flow and microfluidic devices. This review highlights the potential of these technologies for real-time monitoring and early detection, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency. Challenges and future perspectives in the clinical translation of POC biosensors for CKD will also be addressed.