Rapid Test for Bacterial Infections Developed

Researchers at McMaster University have developed a hand-held rapid test for bacterial infections that they say can produce accurate, reliable results in less than an hour, eliminating the need to send samples to a lab. Their proof-of-concept research, published today in Nature Chemistry, specifically describes the test's effectiveness in diagnosing urinary tract infections. The researchers are also adapting the test to detect other forms of bacteria and for the rapid diagnosis of viruses, including COVID-19.

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, about the size of a USB stick, plugs into a smartphone, which displays the result.

"Clinicians identified testing delays as a problem that needed to be resolved," says Leyla Soleymani, the paper's co-corresponding author. "We wanted to build a system that could give as much information as possible to the physician during the patient's first visit."

The researchers are exploring regulatory approvals and industry partnerships to get the technology into wide use as quickly as possible, not only in Canada, but around the world, especially where access to lab testing is limited or non-existent.