Advances and challenges in point‐of‐care testing for pathogenic bacteria in battlefield injuries

Abstract Infections are a leading contributor to delayed mortality in patients with combat‐related trauma. Thus, the real‐time, accurate, and rapid detection of invasive pathogens is essential for optimizing wound management and accelerating recovery. Recent innovations in point‐of‐care testing (POCT) biosensors, which are characterized by enhanced portability and multifunctionality, offer promising solutions for onsite diagnostics without relying on centralized laboratories. These technologies are particularly effective for the minimally invasive monitoring of real‐time biophysical or biochemical signals at wound sites. This review explores the species and distribution of bacteria associated with combat‐related injuries. Thereafter, we summarize recent advancements in optical and other biosensors (electrochemical, piezoelectric, and thermal) used in bacterial POCT. Key integration strategies are highlighted, including biosensor coupling with microdevices (e.g., microfluidics and microarrays), smart systems (e.g., smartphone readouts and artificial intelligence‐based interpretation), and the Internet of Things. We also address the current challenges in biosensor fabrication and outline the expected future directions for biosensing. This review aims to provide a useful reference for the development of POCT biosensors for bacterial detection in combat and trauma care settings.