precision medicine is advancing with microsampling

In recent years, precision medicine has influenced interesting trends in the development of devices for bioanalytical procedures. One important trend is the rise of microsampling, which has spurred such developments as remote and home blood collection. (Microsampling procedures do not require patients to travel to clinics for specimen sampling.)

Remote specimen collection is helping to drive the progress of precision medicine.

Regular specimen collection and monitoring is necessary for the management of some diseases such as heart disease or diabetes. Differences in symptoms may be influenced by variables such as patients’ DNA (hereditary genetic conditions) or their environments. For more effective treatment, medical practitioners need to understand these individual differences.

Here are a few of the many reasons why remote specimen collection and microsampling is believed to make great changes in the future of precision healthcare.

Cost-Effectiveness of Microsampling and Precision Medicine

The rise of precision medicine may lead to a long-term reduction in the costs of many treatments. As medicine gets smarter, money will be allocated toward targeted, high-priority needs. New procedures will do away with much trial and error, with a greater focus on more effective treatment for each individual and efficient results. Expect investing interests to increase as biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical companies develop more advanced interventions.

Improved Specimen Sampling Means Improved Treatments

Precision medicine is aimed at improving the health conditions of patients and extending life expectancy. This is a result of more effective treatments of chronic diseases. Doctors can now do a better job of tracking the history and progress of the patients’ condition to determine their genetic makeup and how they respond to treatments over time. They can also use remote specimen collection and microsampling to track the impact of their unhealthy behaviors, such as alcohol consumption and smoking. This data can be used to determine the best lifestyle interventions or treatment procedures for particular patients.

Microsampling: A critical tool for precision medicine?

Precision medicine is the future of healthcare. However, it cannot be as effective without remote specimen collection and microsampling in play. Precise treatment regimens require frequent specimen sampling or blood draws from a patient at different time points throughout their treatment. The best way to do this is by using remote specimen collection, or microsampling, that the patient can perform themselves in the comfort of their own home. The remote microsampling approach ensures the patient’s comfort, safety, and health. In Europe and the United Kingdom, many practitioners are already using remote specimen collection and microsampling for therapeutic drug monitoring of patients with organ transplants or chronic conditions, and the difference is already apparent to see.

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