Rapid COVID-19 salvia test read by smartphone developed by Tulane researchers

A 15-minute COVID-19 test has been developed by Tulane university researchers that will give results to a smartphone. 

The test, which uses a CRISPR approach has been submitted for authorization by the Food and Drug Administration, according to a press release from Tulane University. 

"Rapid PCR tests typically use nasal swab samples and are performed in laboratory settings by highly trained individuals using sophisticated equipment. The saliva-based COVID-19 test, which doesn't require lab processing, could rapidly expand testing capacity in outpatient clinics, community testing sites and other locations," the university wrote in the press release.

The test detects SARS-CoV-2 virus RNA in saliva, which is used to diagnose the coronavirus, according to the press release. 

“This test addresses the critical needs for a rapid, ultrasensitive COVID-19 diagnosis along with effective large-scale screening efforts,” Tony Hu, PhD, corresponding author of the study and Weatherhead Presidential Chair in Biotechnology Innovation at Tulane University School of Medicine, said in the Tulane University press release. “Our development can quickly identify patients who have the virus, which is required to help address the ongoing threat to public health worldwide.”  

The platform is able to detect very small amounts of the virus by using CRISPR, which is a gene editing technology. 

"The Tulane technology doesn't require an RNA isolation step used in PCR tests. Saliva is mixed with an assay solution on an assay chip and heated to amplify a small region of viral RNA. A modified CRISPR complex that contains a 'guide' RNA specific for this virus RNA region rapidly binds and cuts both this amplified RNA region and a tagged DNA probe to produce a fluorescent signal that is read by the smartphone device," the university wrote in the press release.

This method of detecting the coronavirus is more user-friendly, in addition to faster at producing results. 

“The sensitivity and simplicity of this test, its straightforward sample collection procedure, and the inexpensive nature of the readout device should permit the rapid translation of this approach to COVID-19 testing efforts once we obtain FDA approval,” Hu said in the press release.