Single-photon detection is useful in many domains requiring time-resolved imaging, high sensitivity and high dynamic range. In this paper the miniaturization and performance potential of solid-state single-photon detectors are discussed in the context of lab-on-chip applications where high accuracy and/or high levels of parallelism are suited. Technological and design trade-offs are discussed in view of recent advances in integrated LED matrix technology and the emergence of new multiplication based architectures.