Abstract

Facilitating Point of Care Technology (POC) Development for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)

Joany Jackman, Senior Scientist, Research and Exploratory Development, The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

The Johns Hopkins University Center for Point of Care Technology (POCT) for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) is one of three collaborating centers in the Point-of-Care Technology Research Network (POCTRN) hosted by the National Institute of Health (NIBIB).  The purpose of our Center is to assist developers of POCT along the process of commercialization.  Similar to other Centers in the POCTRN, the mission of the JHU Center for POCT for STD is to facilitate technology development by providing a number of tools and resources to enhance POCT performance.  These resources include 1)access to subject matter experts, 2) technical design reviews, 3)information on best practices, market characteristics and end user needs, 4) provide  patient samples at no cost, 5) evaluate devices in clinical settings and at low resource sites, 6) access to our Technology Watch Database and 7) targeted funding for key developmental concepts.    86% of the technologies funded through the Center have been successful in obtaining additional funding to sustain their advancement towards commercialization.