A gamepad-like nucleic acid testing device for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 via visible nested recombinase polymerase amplification

Nucleic acid tests are essential for the accurate diagnosis and control of infectious diseases. However, current assays are not easily scalable for a large population, due to the requirement of laboratory settings or special equipment. Here, we developed an integrated box for instant nucleic acid screening which fully integrates nucleic acid release, amplification, and results visualization for self-service standalone test. Importantly, the operation of the box runs on a novel gamepad-like interface, which allows deployment of the box in home settings and operation by users without any prior professional training. The performance of the box is empowered by an RNA extraction-free sample inactivation process and nested recombinase polymerase amplification chemistry and exhibits sensitivity comparable to reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction with high specificity for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RNA in a reaction time of 30 minutes directly from fresh swab sample to results. These innovations make the box a novel platform for a convenient, accurate, and deployable point-of-care testing scheme. Ce Liu, Baobao Lin and colleagues report a rapid and straightforward nucleic acid screening test requiring no professional training or formal medical setting. The device runs on a novel gamepad-like interface and fully integrates nucleic acid release, amplification, and visualization.