Research, just published in the journal Nature Chemistry, specifically describes a handheld rapid test for bacterial infections that can produce accurate, reliable results in less than an hour.

This eliminates the need to send samples to a lab, the test’s effectiveness in diagnosing urinary tract infections from real clinical samples. The researchers are adapting the test to detect other forms of bacteria and for the rapid diagnosis of viruses, including COVID-19. They also plan to test its viability for detecting markers of cancer.

This new technology developed by researchers at McMaster University will quickly give doctors the data they need to support what they already suspect based on their experience. This may also mean that patients can get better treatment, faster results and avoid serious complications while avoiding the unnecessary use of antibiotics.

The new DNA-based technology uses a handheld device similar to a blood-glucose monitor. A microchip analyzes a droplet of bodily fluid such as blood, urine or saliva, using molecules that can detect the specific protein signature of an infection. The device is about the size of a USB stick and plugs into a smartphone, which displays the results.

The invention combines electrochemical engineering technology with biochemical technology.

Existing practice typically requires sending samples to laboratories to be cultured, a process that can take days. Providing immediate results to patients can reduce the spread of infection, improve the patients’ quality of life and simplify the work of busy clinicians.

The new technology can distinguish strains of the same bacteria that can be treated with antibiotics from others that are resistant to antibiotics, a critical distinction that can help battle the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance.

The researchers are in the midst of testing an adaptation of the same technology for the virus that causes COVID-19.

The researchers are exploring regulatory approvals and industry partnerships to get the technology into wide use around the world as quickly as possible.

- NATURE CHEMISTRY, June 24, 2021, “Integrating programmable DNAzymes with electrical readout for rapid and culture-free bacterial detection using a handheld platform,” by Pandey, et al. © 2021 Springer Nature Limited. All rights reserved.