Scientists at Rice University have developed a portable device that detects SARS-CoV-2 in a blood drop and does not require a laboratory to process the sample; this test can be done anywhere in under an hour. It works by a microfluidic assay that binds SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein to antibody-studded magnetic nanobeads.

Dr. Lillehoj, a researcher involved in this project, explains that if the virus protein binds to the magnetic bead, that, in turn, activates a sensor that generates an electrical current and gives a positive signal to the sensor. Then, the results will be displayed by plugging the device into a cell phone.

Data has shown that it can spot deficient protein levels, suggesting that it could function as a sensitive diagnostic tool. The slight drop of blood drawn from a finger prick brings an alternative to patients who find nasal and throat swabs uncomfortable and avoid assessing their COVID-19 status.