Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices have a tremendous potential for revolutionizing personal health. In developing countries, mobile diagnostics provide immediate diagnosis in the field, and in the U.S., patients and consumers can have greater access to traditionally complex diagnostics. CHI recently spoke with Dr. Samuel Sia of Columbia University about his latest projects at Columbia and the evolution of microfluidic technology. Dr. Sia also discusses how he sees mobile diagnostics playing a role in the future of medicine.