DNA based biosensors are also being developed for diagnosis of hereditary diseases, viruses and cancer. Significant progress in their development is also expected in future. (ii) Tests in doctors clinics.

Analysers (in the form of portable biosensors) to be used in the nursing homes or in private clinics of practising doctors, are also being developed for testing glucose, lactate, creatinine and urea. A recent example of these biosensors is the portable I-Stat system, costing US $ 3000, which can make use of unprocessed blood and can be operated by the doctor or a nurse.

This can perform tests for glucose, urea, nitrogen, sodium, potassium and chloride. Similar other biosensors for in vitro diagnostics in the doctors clinic are being developed. (iii) Tests by consumers. Biosensors are now available, which can be used by individuals at their residence without any help from a doctor or a nurse. A popular example is ExacTechTM, blood glucose monitor (from MediSense). Dry reagent tests that measure blood-glucose levels colorimetrically (by colour) are also commonly used. In future consumer tests for pregnancy, ovulation, allergy, cancer, viruses may also become available, although medical approval for some of these consumer tests is difficult, thus delaying the long term use of such biosensors.