A NEW portable diagnostic test can detect infectious diseases such as COVID-19, HIV, Ebola and Lyme disease from a single drop of blood in just 15 minutes, with sensitivity surpassing gold-standard laboratory methods. The low cost and ease of use make it promising for global health applications.
Infectious diseases remain among the leading causes of death worldwide, particularly in low-income countries where access to reliable diagnostics is limited. Laboratory-based methods like PCR and ELISA require specialist equipment, trained staff and extended processing times, delaying diagnosis and treatment. The new device, called Nanoparticle-Supported Rapid Electronic Detection (NasRED), could offer highly accurate, point-of-care testing that is both affordable and accessible, potentially transforming disease surveillance and outbreak response.
Researchers at Arizona State University tested NasRED on 23 different sample types and demonstrated its ability to detect the virus causing COVID-19 with pinpoint accuracy, distinguishing it from other infections. The system uses gold nanoparticles coated with specific molecules to bind to disease-related antigens or antibodies in tiny samples of blood, saliva or nasal fluid. When infection markers are present, the nanoparticles sink, allowing an LED light beam to identify clearer fluid above them. Results are read electronically within 15 minutes. In laboratory comparisons, NasRED proved roughly 3,000 times more sensitive than ELISA, required 16 times less sample, and operated about 30 times faster. The test detects extremely low concentrations, as little as a few hundred molecules, making it invaluable for early-stage or hard-to-diagnose infections.
Clinically, NasRED could help frontline health workers quickly identify infectious diseases in both remote and urban settings, enabling early intervention before outbreaks escalate. Its estimated $2 cost per test makes it viable for routine screening in resource-limited settings, as well as rapid testing in emergency situations. The technology is modular, meaning it can be adapted for detecting other pathogens, cancer biomarkers or chronic disease indicators. Future development will focus on wider deployment, further miniaturisation for home use, and validation in real-world clinical environments to realise its potential as a sensitive, accessible and rapid diagnostic platform.
Reference
Choi Y et al. Nanoparticle-supported, rapid, and electronic detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and antigens at the subfemtomolar level. ACS Nano. 2025;DOI:10.1021/acsnano.5c12083.
