Quantitative PCR (qPCR) is a reliable and sensitive method for detecting DNA and RNA, and is widely considered the gold standard. However, qPCR needs costly equipment, skilled technicians, and specialized labs, which means tests can take several hours. The COVID-19 pandemic showed that while qPCR is effective for detecting infectious diseases, it is neither quick nor affordable as a point-of-care option.
Our team has created a new test that uses a ‘glow-in-the-dark’ method to detect DNA or RNA from viruses and bacteria, with a sensitivity similar to PCR but completed in under 30 minutes. This test works in a single tube at a single temperature, which helps prevent cross-contamination that could cause false positives and removes the need for a special lab.
The test produces a bright bioluminescent signal that can be easily seen with a basic camera, such as a smartphone camera. All these features make this molecular diagnostic test simple to use, fast, and suitable for point-of-care testing in settings such as a doctor’s office, veterinary clinic, or other healthcare settings with limited resources. This enables quicker diagnosis and better use of antimicrobial treatments, helping both individual patients and public health by reducing disease spread and slowing antimicrobial resistance.
