Advancing healthcare through laboratory on a chip technology: Transforming microorganism identification and diagnostics

Table 1 Comparison of laboratory-on-a-chip technology with traditional methods for microorganism identification

Aspect	Laboratory-on-a-chip	Traditional methods
Speed of identification	Rapid results within minutes to hours	Longer turnaround time (hours to days)
Sensitivity and specificity	High sensitivity and specificity	Variable sensitivity and specificity depending on method and sample quality
Portability	Compact and portable devices	Laboratory-based equipment requiring specialized facilities
Sample size	Minimal sample volume required	Larger sample volume often needed
Automation	Automated processes for streamlined workflow	Manual handling of samples with potential for human error
Cost	Initial investment may be higher but cost-effective over time	Lower initial cost but higher operational costs
Integration with other technologies	Easily integrated with biosensors, artificial intelligence, and data analytics	Limited integration capabilities with other technologies
Accessibility	Suitable for use in remote or resource-limited settings	Reliant on centralized laboratories, limiting accessibility